The 2026 Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, featuring a full 20-horse field, marking the start of the Triple Crown series. Oddsmaker Nick Tammaro has named Renegade the morning favorite, with odds of 4-1, despite the challenges of starting from the first post position. Three horses have been removed from the race, leaving a total of 17 competitors.
Notables include Renegade who won the Arkansas Derby and will be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., seeking his first Derby win after multiple attempts. Commandments, also a contender with odds of 6-1, was previously victorious in the Florida Derby. The race will feature several experienced jockeys and trainers, including John Velasquez, who aims for his fourth Derby victory.
Other horses of interest include Chief Wallaby (odds 8-1), The Puma (10-1), Emerging Market (15-1), and several others with higher odds. The Derby is a significant event at Churchill Downs, anticipated to finish around 6:57 p.m. ET on race day.
