The Kentucky Derby is known for its thrilling finishes, and the 2026 edition promises to deliver another heart-pounding showdown. Last year, Sovereignty edged out Journalism by just 1½ lengths, while 2024 saw Mystik Dan win by a nose over Sierra Leone. In fact, it's been nearly two decades since a horse won by more than six lengths—Mine That Bird was the last to do it in 2009. This year's morning-line favorite is Renegade at 4-1, followed closely by Further Ado (6-1), Commandment (6-1), and Chief Wallabee (8-1). The 152nd Run for the Roses goes to post at 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 2.
Trainer Bill Mott is chasing history with Chief Wallabee. A win would make him the first trainer to secure back-to-back Kentucky Derby victories since Bob Baffert accomplished the feat with Silver Charm (1997) and Real Quiet (1998). Unlike last year's sloppy track victory with Sovereignty, Mott's horse will be running on a dry, cool Churchill Downs surface this time around.
With so many variables in play—from post positions to pace scenarios—making smart Kentucky Derby picks requires expert insight. That's where Jody Demling comes in. A veteran horse racing analyst, Demling has been writing about, talking about, and betting on the sport for years. His track record is impressive: he's nailed the Kentucky Oaks-Derby double 12 times in the last 17 years and correctly predicted the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby in exact order. Followers of his picks have seen significant returns at top betting sites like FanDuel Racing, TwinSpires, and 1/ST BET.
Now, with the 2026 Kentucky Derby post positions set and odds on the board, Demling is sharing his win, place, and show picks—plus his exacta, trifecta, and superfecta recommendations—exclusively at SportsLine. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a casual fan looking to add some excitement to the race, his expert analysis can help you make informed wagers. And if you're ready to place your bets, you can get started with a great offer: use the TwinSpires promo code CBSSPORTS to unlock up to $400 in bonus bets—double what's available to the general public. Don't miss your chance to be part of the action at the 2026 Kentucky Derby!