The 2026 Kentucky Derby is projected to be a highly competitive contest, with seemingly half the field getting support.
No. 1 Renegade, owned by Mike Repole, was installed as a 4-1 favorite on the morning line, but it seems like a real possibility that one of the trendier horses, perhaps No. 6 Commandment, No. 8 So Happy, No. 9 The Puma, or No. 18 Further Ado, winds up as the chalk by the time the horses are in the gate.
The fact that there are five horses that could wind up as the favorite tells you everything you need to know about how this race sets up: It’s wide open.
Let’s get to our betting guide.
Best bet to win
No. 12 Chief Wallabee (8-1)
Once again, we’re expecting a hot pace to the Kentucky Derby. That’s no problem for Chief Wallabee, who, if things go according to plan, should be able to sit right behind the frontrunners and kick into high gear down the stretch.
But the real reason to jump on the Chief Wallabee bandwagon is this colt’s ability to contend if things don’t go his way, which is usually how things shake out at the Kentucky Derby.
Chief Wallabee finished third at the Florida Derby, a half-length behind Commandment and The Puma, two serious contenders in this field, despite having a nightmare trip. He was pinned, he bounced around and then worked out a path to the front of the pack and came up just short.
If that’s the type of showing we get from this horse when everything breaks against him, imagine the possibilities if things go his way.
Best long shot
No. 19 Golden Tempo (30-1)
Golden Tempo brings something different to the table than just about any horse in this field.
The long shot, trained by Cherie DeVaux, is the only deep closer in this field, which could give it a serious advantage if the pace is as fast as projected.
While the rest of the field is tiring down the stretch, Golden Tempo should have plenty to give, and could give the leaders a run for their money at a massive price.
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Horses to use in exactas, trifectas
No. 7 Danon Bourbon (20-1)
Japan is still searching for its first winner in the Kentucky Derby, but it’s hard to ignore the talent of the country’s main contender in 2026.
Not only did Danon Bourbon put together a record-breaking victory at the Fukuryu Stakes, but he is 3-0 in his career, and his victories came by a combined 18.5 lengths.
Because of his situation, shipping in from Japan, you may get a great number on one of the classiest horses in this field.
No. 14 Potente (20-1)
A $2.4 million horse trained by Bob Baffert, Potente doesn’t seem to have much support from the betting public and that’s fine news for us.
Although Potente projects to be one of the pace-setters, Baffert says he’d prefer if his lone entrant isn’t on the front foot out of the gate. He should get that trip, as there are plenty of candidates to get out to the lead in this field.
We can talk about his bullet workout and his improving figures, but this one is pretty simple: You may be getting close to 30/1 on a $2.4 million horse trained by Bob Baffert in the Kentucky Derby.
Best not to toss it to the side entirely.
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Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
