Experts share last-minute betting advice for the 152nd Kentucky Derby, highlighting several horses still in contention. With scratches affecting the field, informed picks are crucial for bettors.
Key points
Last-minute betting advice for the Kentucky Derby
Several horses have been scratched from the race
Expert consensus picks are available
Insights from veteran handicappers on betting strategies
If you're looking for some last-minute Kentucky Derby betting advice (and are frustrated by the paywalled links found elsewhere), then you've come to the right place.
While several horses in the original field for the 152nd Run for the Roses have been scratched over the past couple days, we've found some experts whose horses are still standing – and more than capable of finishing the 1 ¼ miles ahead of the pack.
So here are the consensus picks for three different contingents of experts, plus a bonus pick from another established horse racing outlet. If you'd rather make an educated wager on your own, USA TODAY Sports' Josh Peter spoke with four veteran handicappers on what they look for when putting their money on the line.
Chicago Bears football player Jonathan Owens and Biles on the Kentucky Derby red carpet in 2025.
Biles on the Kentucky Derby red carpet May 3, 2025.
Q&A
What are the expert picks for the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
Experts have provided consensus picks for several horses still in the race, offering insights for bettors.
Why have horses been scratched from the Kentucky Derby?
Several horses in the original field have been scratched due to various reasons, impacting the betting landscape.
What should bettors consider when wagering on the Kentucky Derby?
Bettors should look for insights from experienced handicappers on factors that influence their betting decisions.
When does the 2026 Kentucky Derby take place?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby is part of the annual horse racing event known as the Run for the Roses, typically held on the first Saturday in May.
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Martha Stewart called Riders Up in 2024 at the 150th Kentucky Derby.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, posing with his wife Brittany at the Kentucky Derby red carpet, called the Riders Up command at the 149th Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2023.
Rapper Jack Harlow did the Riders Up call May 7, 2022. He eventually pet the horse of Churchill Downs outrider Greg Blasi, though he did back off when the horse reared his head before the running of the 148th Kentucky Derby.
Legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas did the Riders Up call at the 147th Kentucky Derby in 2021. Here he watches his horses train from the side of the track at Churchill Downs on April 23, 2021.
Baker Mayfield called Riders Up in 2019. Here, he and Emily Wilkinson walk the red carpet at the Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2019.
Laila Ali, retired boxing champion, called 'Riders Up' in 2018.
Sean Payton, then-head coach of the New Orleans Saints, said 'Riders Up' in 2016. Here, he attends the NFL Annual League Meeting at The Breakers as Denver Broncos head coach in 2025.
John Calipari, the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, gave the Riders Up call at the 2012 Kentucky Derby. Here, he gives instructions to his team against the Utah Valley Wolverines at Rupp Arena on Nov. 18, 2019, in Lexington, Kentucky.
1 / 10
Simone Biles, Jeff Bridges, more stars who called 'Riders up' at Kentucky Derby
Chicago Bears football player Jonathan Owens and Biles on the Kentucky Derby red carpet in 2025.
1 / 10
Simone Biles, Jeff Bridges, more stars who called 'Riders up' at Kentucky Derby
Chicago Bears football player Jonathan Owens and Biles on the Kentucky Derby red carpet in 2025.
2 / 10
Simone Biles, Jeff Bridges, more stars who called 'Riders up' at Kentucky Derby
Biles on the Kentucky Derby red carpet May 3, 2025.
3 / 10
Simone Biles, Jeff Bridges, more stars who called 'Riders up' at Kentucky Derby
Martha Stewart called Riders Up in 2024 at the 150th Kentucky Derby.
4 / 10
Simone Biles, Jeff Bridges, more stars who called 'Riders up' at Kentucky Derby
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, posing with his wife Brittany at the Kentucky Derby red carpet, called the Riders Up command at the 149th Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2023.
5 / 10
Simone Biles, Jeff Bridges, more stars who called 'Riders up' at Kentucky Derby
Rapper Jack Harlow did the Riders Up call May 7, 2022. He eventually pet the horse of Churchill Downs outrider Greg Blasi, though he did back off when the horse reared his head before the running of the 148th Kentucky Derby.
6 / 10
Simone Biles, Jeff Bridges, more stars who called 'Riders up' at Kentucky Derby
Legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas did the Riders Up call at the 147th Kentucky Derby in 2021. Here he watches his horses train from the side of the track at Churchill Downs on April 23, 2021.
7 / 10
Simone Biles, Jeff Bridges, more stars who called 'Riders up' at Kentucky Derby
Baker Mayfield called Riders Up in 2019. Here, he and Emily Wilkinson walk the red carpet at the Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2019.
8 / 10
Simone Biles, Jeff Bridges, more stars who called 'Riders up' at Kentucky Derby
Laila Ali, retired boxing champion, called 'Riders Up' in 2018.
9 / 10
Simone Biles, Jeff Bridges, more stars who called 'Riders up' at Kentucky Derby
Sean Payton, then-head coach of the New Orleans Saints, said 'Riders Up' in 2016. Here, he attends the NFL Annual League Meeting at The Breakers as Denver Broncos head coach in 2025.
10 / 10
Simone Biles, Jeff Bridges, more stars who called 'Riders up' at Kentucky Derby
John Calipari, the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, gave the Riders Up call at the 2012 Kentucky Derby. Here, he gives instructions to his team against the Utah Valley Wolverines at Rupp Arena on Nov. 18, 2019, in Lexington, Kentucky.
The USA TODAY Network outlet's final ranking of the horses leading into Kentucky Derby week placed Commandment in the No. 1 spot, followed by Renegade, Further Ado and Emerging Market.
Among the 11 experts polled by FanDuel, Further Ado got the nod from panelists Christina Blacker, Joaquin Jaime and Ashley Mailloux. That was one more than the number who took both Emerging Market and Commandment.
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Further Ado trains at Churchill Downs.
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Further Ado trains at Churchill Downs.
Of the seven handicappers and experts listed at the Kentucky Derby's official website, four had Commandment ranked as the No. 1 horse in this year's field. Two experts picked Renegade as their top pick and The Puma (which was scratched on Saturday morning) also received one No. 1 ranking.
"(Chief Wallabee) adds blinkers for this race, which should focus him enough to put it all together. It is true that the addition of blinkers is rare and often unsuccessful in the (Kentucky) Derby, but if anyone knows what they are doing it is (trainer) Bill Mott. … (Chief Wallabee) has the perfect tracking style to get first run on the deep closers and offers a square price in a wide-open Kentucky Derby."
