The 2026 Kentucky Derby is set to kick off at 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 2, at Churchill Downs, with a packed field of 19 horses vying for glory in the first leg of the Triple Crown. Among the top contenders, all hailing from elite training operations, are Renegade (trained by Todd Pletcher) and the Brad Cox duo of Further Ado and Commandment. Renegade leads the Kentucky Derby 2026 odds board at 4-1, with Commandment and Further Ado close behind at 6-1. For fans looking to place bets, TwinSpires offers an exclusive code—CBSSPORTS—to receive up to $400 in bonus bets, double the standard offer.
Before making your picks, consider insights from SportsLine's elite horse racing expert, Gene Menez. A former reporter and editor at Sports Illustrated for nearly 14 years, Menez has a proven track record. He correctly predicted Super Saver to win the 2010 Kentucky Derby, nailed the superfecta in 2015 (American Pharoah, Firing Line, Dortmund, and Frosted) for a $1,268.20 payout on a $2 bet, and hit a nearly $6,900 Pick 4 in 2017. More recently, he identified 18-1 longshot Mystik Dan in 2024 and scored a $1,045 exacta and trifecta combo in last year's Derby. His expertise makes him a reliable guide for this year's race.
One of Menez's most surprising 2026 Kentucky Derby picks is his decision to fade the favorite, Renegade. Despite the Todd Pletcher trainee's strong credentials on paper, Menez sees hidden factors that could trip him up. To uncover his full predictions and best bets—including potential longshots—head to SportsLine. New users can also sign up for FanDuel Racing to get $25 in bonuses with a $5 bet. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, the Run for the Roses promises plenty of thrills this Saturday.