The 2026 Kentucky Derby is just days away, featuring favorite Renegade among a competitive field. Other strong contenders include Commandment and Further Ado.
Key points
2026 Kentucky Derby is just days away
Renegade is the 4-1 favorite
Commandment and Further Ado are strong contenders
Courier Journal staff made their predictions
Event takes place at Churchill Downs
Mentioned in this story
Courier JournalChurchill Downs
Kentucky Derby 2026
The riders are almost up, and the 2026 Kentucky Derby is just days away as the Churchill Downs Spring Meet continues throughout the week.
The most exciting two minutes in sports will feature Derby 4-1 favorite Renegade, though the field is a highly competitive one with Commandment and Further Ado also in the mix to win the first leg of the Triple Crown.
Here's who each member of the Courier Journal's sports staff picked to win the 152nd Run for the Roses:
Who are the top contenders for the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The top contenders for the 2026 Kentucky Derby include Renegade, Commandment, and Further Ado.
What are the odds for Renegade in the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
Renegade is currently the 4-1 favorite for the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby scheduled to take place?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby is scheduled to take place in just a few days, during the Churchill Downs Spring Meet.
Who picked Renegade to win the Kentucky Derby 2026?
Members of the Courier Journal's sports staff have picked Renegade as a favorite to win the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
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I know it's not fun to pick the favorite, but I think he's the best horse. I don't care that he's starting in Post No. 1. It's been 40 years since a horse won out of Post 1. Renegade's going to end that streak this year, and Irad Ortiz is going to finally get his first win as a jockey in the Derby.
Right to Party drew the winningest post position in the Derby and is being trained by Kenny McPeek, who trained Mystik Dan to a Derby win two years ago. He'll use a runner-up finish in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial to win the Garland of Roses as the 3-year-old colt fights for the right to party.
The favorites in this race all have their question marks, especially with Renegade drawing the rail. At a price, I’ll take The Puma, who I believe has room to take a big step forward and give Gustavo Delgado his second Derby victory.
I’m not going to act like I know something you don’t with this pick. This just feels like a Derby where something out of the ordinary happens. Run for the Roses newcomers Riley Mott (trainer), Jaime Torres (jockey) and Pin Oak Stud (owner) reaching the winner’s circle would be just that.
It's been the season of Brad Cox, and it feels like the right time for the Louisville native to celebrate in the winner's circle. He has Commandment and Further Ado as co-second choices on the morning line, but I'll go with the 11-length winner of the Blue Grass Stakes. Having three-time Derby winner John Velazquez in the saddle certainly helps.
In sports journalism, we're always rooting for the story. And I think a Derby Day victory for Louisville trainer Brad Cox five years after Mandaloun's win by disqualification would be a great one. So I'm rocking with Commandment, Cox's Florida Derby-winning horse.
Reach Louisville football, women's basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit atacubit@gannett.comand follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.
