Kentucky Derby 2026 betting odds, favorites, post positions and free picks.

The best 3-year-old horses will take part in the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown over a 1 ¼-mile dirt track. As of now, the 2026 Kentucky Derby field at Churchill Downs will consist of 20 horses, the perfect time to make 2026 Kentucky Derby futures picks.

Among the early 2026 Kentucky Derby favorites are Paladin and Chief Wallabee, both listed at 8-1. Paladin has won all three of his races to date, including the 2026 Risen Star on February 14. Chief Wallabee, meanwhile, has placed in all three of his races, including a win in January. Other favorites include Commandment and Nearly, both at 12-1, and Renegade at 13-1.

2026 Kentucky Derby odds updated, contenders horses list, post positions, horse, trainer, jockey

2026 Kentucky Derby post positions, horse, trainer, jockey, odds

PP Horse Jockey Odds - Updated 4th April, 2026

PP Horse Jockey Odds

Horse Odds Picks

Chief Wallabee 8-1

Paladin 8-1

Commandment 12-1

Nearly 12-1

Renegade 13-1

Incredibolt 16-1

Silent Tactic 17-1

Potente 18-1

Cherokee Nation 19-1

The Puma 23-1

Further Ado 25-1

Class President 28-1

Emerging Market 33-1

Golden Tempo 36-1

Blackout Time 41-1

Litmus Test 45-1

Intrepido 69-1

Fulleffort 89-1

Secured Freedom 160-1

Pavlovian 210-1

Earlier this year, Churchill Downs announced the purse for the 2025 Derby would be an all-time high of $5 million, up from the $3 million in prize money that had been up for grabs since 2019.

The $5 million will be split among the top five finishers in the Derby, with $3.1 million for the winner, $1 million for the runner-up, $500,000 for third place, $250,000 for fourth place and $150,000 for fifth place.

When is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is set for 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 2. The 152nd Run for the Roses will be race No. 12 of the 14-race slate. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles will give the iconic “Rider's Up” command ahead of the race.

How to watch the 2026 Kentucky Derby

The 152nd edition of the Kentucky Derby will be broadcast on NBC, which has served as the home of the annual “Run for the Roses" since 2001. NBC Sports signed a multi-year extension with Churchill Downs last year to carry the Kentucky Derby through 2032.