Kentucky Derby 2026 Post Positions, Updated Picks and Predictions After Draw

The field for the 152nd Kentucky Derby has been set. The post draw took place on Saturday, which added a little clarity for next weekend's big race. The 2026 field features several legitimate contenders, plus seasoned teams who can push the horses to victory.

However, positioning will matter.

Renegade, for example, is the early favorite and backed by legendary trainer Todd Pletcher and seasoned jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. Unfortunately, Renegade also drew the unfavorable No. 1 post, a position that can lead directly into traffic around the first turn.

Now that positions have been set, let's take a look at the updated odds and make a few predictions.

Post Positions and Odds

Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Great White trains on the track during morning workouts ahead of the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby

1. Renegade 4-1

2. Albus 30-1

3. Intrepido 50-1

4. Litmus Test 30-1

5. Right to Party 30-1

6. Commandment 6-1

7. Danon Bourbon 20-1

8. So Happy 15-1

9. The Puma 10-1

10. Wonder Dean 30-1

11. Incredibolt 20-1

12. Chief Wallabee 8-1

13. Silent Tactic 20-1

14. Potente 20-1

15. Emerging Market 15-1

16. Pavlovian 30-1

17. Six Speed 50-1

18. Further Ado 6-1

19. Golden Tempo 30-1

20. Fulleffort 20-1

21. (alt) Great White 50-1

22. (alt) Ocelli 50-1

23. (alt) Robusta 50-1

24. (alt) Corona de Oro 50-1

*Odds from KentuckyDerby.com

Preview and Predictions

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

With a field loaded with top-tier talent, there's a good chance that one of the favorites wins. Horses like Renegade, Commandment, Further Ado, and Chief Wallabee have what it takes to pull away from the pack, even in a crowded 20-horse race.

However, avoiding traffic will be a key factor. This is why backing Renegade as the favorite is risky.

There's plenty to like about the Todd Pletcher-trained horse, but a poor post draw could cause issues. Ferdinand was the last horse to win the Derby from the rail—in 1986. Pletcher called the draw "not ideal."

"It just puts you in a position where you can't make a mistake," Pletcher said, per Jason Frakes of the Louisville Courier Journal. "You break a little slow, especially in this race, the field is all looking to come over and get position. Most races, it just takes away some of your options."

Renegade showed it can win this type of race at the Arkansas Derby, but the risk of getting pinned inside is very real. Commandment might be a better pick, even though he also drew an inside spot. Jockey Luis Saez should at least find a little running room out of the No. 6 gate.

"I do like the 6 with Commandment," trainer Brad Cox said, per the Associated Press. "Hopefully he can break and go forward. It looks like there's a little speed around him. He can maybe save some ground going into the first turn."

Fans looking to play the odds might want to consider Silent Tactic. The Mark Casse-trained horse took second at the Arkansas Derby and has a fairly favorable position at No. 13. Jockey Cristian Torres shouldn't get jammed early and should be able to move inside if he does run clear through the first turn.

At 20-1 odds, Silent Tactic is certainly worth a look.

Early Predictions

1. Commandment

2. Golden Tempo

3. Silent Tactic

4. Emerging Market

5. Renegade