The Kentucky Derby 2026 is set to take place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, with the race going to post at 6:57 p.m. ET. Jody Demling, a respected horse racing expert, is fading the morning-line favorite Renegade, currently at odds of 4-1, based on historical trends and challenges posed by post position.
Demling points out that Renegade has history working against him for Saturday’s race. “The favorite has not won the Kentucky Derby since 2018,” he noted. This statistic looms large as fans and bettors prepare for what could be an unpredictable race.
In addition to Renegade’s odds, Further Ado and Commandment are both positioned at 6-1, while Chief Wallabee follows closely at 8-1. The field also includes three longshots—Intrepido, Six Speed, and Great White—each sitting at a daunting 50-1.
There’s excitement surrounding Danon Bourbon, who recently triumphed in the Fukuryu Stakes by an impressive ten lengths. This horse aims to become the first from Japan to win the Kentucky Derby. As Demling notes, “Of the two Japanese horses, Danon Bourbon has more speed than Wonder Dean,” which may give him an edge in this prestigious event.
Renegade’s trainer is Todd Pletcher, a two-time Derby champion whose expertise adds weight to his horse’s chances. However, jockey Irad Ortiz faces his own hurdles—despite over 4,000 career wins, he remains winless in nine previous Derby rides.
Demling has a strong track record himself; he has successfully predicted the Kentucky Oaks-Derby double twelve times in the last seventeen years. He advises followers on horse racing betting sites to consider his insights for potential gains. “Anyone who has followed him on horse racing betting sites could be way up,” he mentioned.
The anticipation for this year’s race is palpable as observers look forward to seeing how these dynamics will play out on race day. With a total of nineteen horses remaining in the field after scratches—including The Puma, who was originally set at 10-1—the competition promises to be fierce.
As we approach this iconic event in horse racing history, all eyes will be on Churchill Downs and how these horses navigate their paths toward victory.
