Choosing 2026 Kentucky Derby's Best Picks Among Top Contenders

The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby takes place Saturday from historic Churchill Downs, with the best racing horses in the world chasing a victory in the first Triple Crown race of 2026.

Who are the top contenders in this year's race?

Find out in this preview.

Renegade

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Arguably the most complete horse in this year's race, Renegade possesses lightning-quick speed and the ability to race for distance, thanks to the genes of sire, Into Mischief, and dam, Spice is Nice.

Coached by the acclaimed Todd Pletcher, winner of two previous Kentucky Derby races, he is fresh off a win at Oaklawn Park in March.

An adaptable horse, he can race on different surfaces, in various situations, he has placed in all five of his races to this point in his career and is the odds-on favorite to win this year's Run for the Roses (4-1, per Kentucky Derby).

There are dark horse and upset candidates, but Renegade is the safest bet in this year's race.

Further Ado

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Further Ado is no stranger to Churchill Downs, winning there last Fall in the Kentucky Jockey Club.

Overall, he has started six races and placed in all but one, including a first and second-place finish thus far in 2026. He won on April 4 at Keeneland, dominating by 11 lengths and setting himself up for a potential historic victory in this year's Derby.

There is some concern about an underwhelming performance based on the strength of his showing in his last showing, but Further Ado is a distance runner who is performing at his strongest at the right time, and has a great trainer in Brad H. Cox, who has a Kentucky Derby victory to his name.

At 6-1 odds, he is tied for second best with Commandment.

Chief Wallabee

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Chief Wallabee is one of the most intriguing horses in this year's race, thanks to his proven ability to race at distance and a trainer in Bill Mott, who specializes in horse conditioning.

He has the raw ability to win the race and be a factor down the back stretch. If he can keep pace against the other, faster colts in the race, he will have every opportunity to pick up the second win of his career, his historic first win at Churchill Downs.

His relative inexperience could prove costly, and his competition has not been up to the level of other competitors at this year's race, which could cause hesitation on the part of bettors.

Still, a talented young racer, he could steal headlines come Saturday afternoon.