The countdown to the 2026 Kentucky Derby is on, and the excitement is building for the 152nd running of America's most iconic horse race. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, with a post time of 6:57 p.m. ET, this year's field is packed with talent—and a little expert insight can go a long way when you're crafting your win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, or superfecta bets.
History tells us that the Kentucky Derby is rarely a blowout. Last year, Sovereignty edged Journalism by just 1 ½ lengths, while in 2024, Mystic Dan beat Sierra Leone by a nose. You have to go all the way back to 2009—when Mine That Bird romped by 6 ¾ lengths over Pioneer of the Nile—to find a win by more than six lengths. So expect this year's race to come down to a few powerful strides.
Leading the morning-line odds is Renegade at 4-1, followed closely by Further Ado and Commandment, both at 6-1. Chief Wallabee (8-1) and The Puma (10-1) round out the top contenders. But there's more than just odds at play here—Chief Wallabee is chasing history. Trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, this duo is looking to become the first trainer-jockey team to win back-to-back Derbies since Ron Turcotte and Lucien Laurin pulled it off with Riva Ridge in 1972 and Secretariat in 1973. Mott and Alvarado teamed up for last year's win with Sovereignty, and a victory by Chief Wallabee would also make Mott the first trainer since Bob Baffert (Silver Charm and Real Quiet) to win consecutive Derbies.
With so much on the line—and a field full of speed and stamina—making smart bets requires more than just luck. That's where horse racing expert Jody Demling comes in. A fixture in the sport for years, Demling has nailed the Kentucky Oaks-Derby double 12 times in the last 17 years and correctly predicted the top three finishers in the 2025 Derby in exact order. His method for breaking down exacta, trifecta, and superfecta plays is built on decades of experience.
Whether you're a seasoned bettor or just looking to add some excitement to Derby Day, having a pro's perspective can help you spot value and avoid the chaos. Ready to place your bets? Make sure you're set with the latest offers, and trust the insights that have helped fans turn the "Run for the Roses" into a winning experience.