The countdown to the 2026 Kentucky Derby is officially on, and the buzz around Churchill Downs is electric. This year, all eyes are on Renegade, the 4-1 morning-line favorite, as he bids to join an elite club of just 40 favorites since 1908 who have crossed the finish line first in "The Run for the Roses." History, however, is a tough opponent. The last favorite to win was Justify in 2018, and while favorites have placed no lower than fourth in 13 of the last 14 Derbies, the exception—Fierceness in 2024 (15th place)—serves as a stark reminder that anything can happen on race day.
Scheduled for a 6:57 p.m. ET post time on Saturday, the 2026 edition promises cool, dry conditions—ideal for a thrilling showdown. Renegade isn't alone at the top of the odds board. Commandment and Further Ado are both listed at 6-1, while Chief Wallabee rounds out the contenders at 8-1. But before you place your bets, there's one name every savvy horse racing fan should know: Jody Demling.
A veteran expert who has been analyzing and betting on horse racing for years, Demling has an uncanny track record. He has nailed the Kentucky Oaks-Derby double an impressive 12 times in the last 17 years. Last year alone, he predicted the top three finishers of the 2025 Kentucky Derby in exact order, cashing a $1,682 superfecta, and followed it up by hitting the exacta at the Preakness. For anyone following his picks on horse racing betting sites, the results have been phenomenal.
Now, Demling is sharing his 2026 Kentucky Derby predictions and betting picks exclusively at SportsLine. And here's the big surprise: he's completely fading the morning-line favorite, Renegade. Despite a strong win at the Arkansas Derby, Demling points out that success at Churchill Downs is far from guaranteed. In fact, only three horses in history have won both the Arkansas Derby and the Kentucky Derby: Sunny's Halo (1983), Smarty Jones (2004), and American Pharoah (2015). Renegade will need to overcome those odds to prove the doubters wrong.
Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a casual fan looking for an edge, Demling's insights are a must-read. Head over to SportsLine to see his complete 2026 Kentucky Derby picks—and don't forget to gear up in your finest Derby attire from our collection. After all, looking the part is half the fun at Churchill Downs!