The 152nd Kentucky Derby is almost here, and the excitement is building for the "Run for the Roses" on Saturday, May 2, at 6:57 p.m. ET from Churchill Downs in Louisville. This year's field is packed with talent, headlined by Arkansas Derby winner Renegade, who opens as the 4-1 morning-line favorite under trainer Todd Pletcher. Pletcher, a two-time Derby winner (2010 and 2017), is chasing his third victory with more than 5,700 career wins under his belt.
Right behind Renegade on the odds board are Further Ado and Commandment, both at 6-1, followed by Chief Wallabee at 8-1. The field has seen some late changes, with Fulleffort, The Puma, Right to Party, and Silent Tactic all scratched. Joining the pack at long odds are Ocelli (50-1), Robusta (50-1), and Great White (50-1), adding a layer of unpredictability to this year's race.
For those looking to place a bet, there's an exclusive offer through TwinSpires—use code CBSSPORTS to get up to $400 in bonus bets, double what's available to the general public. But before you lock in your picks, you'll want to hear from SportsLine's expert horse racing analyst, Gene Menez.
Menez is no stranger to the Derby spotlight. A former reporter and editor at Sports Illustrated, he covered horse racing for nearly 14 years and served as SI's Triple Crown handicapper from 2010 to 2012. His track record is impressive: he correctly picked Super Saver to win the Derby in 2010, nailed the superfecta in 2015 (American Pharoah, Firing Line, Dortmund, and Frosted) for a $1,268.20 payout on a $2 bet, and hit the Pick 4 for nearly $6,900 in 2017. More recently, he called 18-1 longshot Mystik Dan in 2024 and cashed a $1,045 exacta and trifecta in last year's Derby.
So what's Menez's take on 2026? One surprise: he's fading the favorite, Renegade. The concern? A troubling pattern in recent performances that could spell trouble on Derby day. For his full picks and best bets, check out his analysis now. And if you're new to FanDuel Racing, sign up to get $25 in bonuses with just a $5 bet—perfect for getting in on the action.
Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, the Kentucky Derby is all about the thrill of the race and the style of the day. Ready to make your picks? The gates open Saturday—don't miss it.