152nd Kentucky Derby Preview

April 30, 2026Katelin ParsonsKatelin Parsons#HORSE RACING, #KENTUCKY DERBYComments Off

The 152nd Run for the Roses is this Saturday at Churchill Downs. Take a look at the current field. Who is your favorite?

The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on May 2nd, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Coverage will start at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on NBC and Peacock. Post time for the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for 6:57 p.m.

Renegade is the morning line favorite in the country’s most pretigous race. He’s followed in the odds by Commandment, Further Ado and Chief Wallabee. Here is a complete analysis of those top contenders and the rest of the field.

*This field preview is current as of the time of publication (Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM EST), but is still subject to change up until the race.

1. Renegade (KY)

Pedigree: Into Mischief – Spice Is Nice, by Curlin
Owner: Robert Low & Lawana Low & Repole Stable
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Breeder: Robert Low & Lawana Low
Race Record: 5:2-2-1
Earnings: $1,031,500
Total Points: 125
Morning Line Odds: 4/1
Major Wins: Sam F. Davis Stakes (Listed), Arkansas Derby (Gr. 1)
Notes: Renegade is the rightful morning line favorite of this year’s Derby. He is the first of three entries by leading sire Into Mischief. He’s also the first of three millionaires in the field. On February 7^th, Renegade won the 1 1/16 miles Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs over The Puma and Ocelli. In March, he won the 1 1/8 miles Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park over Silent Tactic and Litmus Test. Unfortunately, Renegade will likely encounter traffic from the #1 position in a notoriously chaotic 20-horse field. He has the pedigree and talent, but he will also need a lot of luck.

2. Albus (KY)

Pedigree: Yaupon – Adream, by Bernardini
Owner: Pin Oak Stud LLC
Trainer: Riley Mott
Jockey: Manuel Franco
Breeder: Susan Casner
Race Record: 4:2-0-1
Earnings: $436,288
Total Points: 100
Morning Line Odds: 30/1
Major Wins: Wood Memorial Stakes (Gr. 2)
Notes: Albus is coming into the Derby off a win in the Gr. 2 Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct. He rallied from eighth to win that 1 1/8-miles race over Right to Party and Ocelli. He also drew away from the field in a Maiden Special Weight at Tampa Bay Downs earlier this year. Back-to-back wins at distances over a mile make him hard to throw out. At long odds, including Albus in exotic wagers might payoff bigtime!

3. Intrepido (KY)

Pedigree: Maximus Mischief – Overly Indulgent, by Pleasantly Perfect
Owner: Dutch Girl Holdings LLC & Irving Ventures LLC
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Jockey: Hector Isaac Berrios
Breeder: Sierra Fria Farm, LLC
Race Record: 6:2-1-0
Earnings: $342,800
Total Points: 38
Morning Line Odds: 50/1
Major Wins: American Pharoah Stakes (Gr. 1)
Notes: Intrepido is a grandson of the ever-present Into Mischief. He just finished fourth in the Gr. 1 Santa Anita Derby behind So Happy and Potente. While he did manage to outrun the also-eligible Robusta, he seems to be outclassed in this Derby field. His two-year-old campaign was impressive, but he has not won a race since October. Intrepido’s works at Churchill has been blisteringly fast. Expect him to go to the lead early, but don’t expect him to stay there.

4. Litmus Test (KY)

Pedigree: Nyquist – Study Hard, by Malibu Moon
Owner: SF Racing, LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, LLC, Stonestreet Stables, LLC, Bashor Racing, LLC, Determined Stables, Golconda Stable, Waves Edge Capital, LLC and Catherine Donovan
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Martin Garcia
Breeder: Machmer Hall
Race Record: 7:2-0-2
Earnings: $477,688
Total Points: 34
Morning Line Odds: 50/1
Major Wins: Los Alamitos Futurity (Gr. 2)
Notes: Litmus Test has the pedigree to succeed at classic distances, but he has not won a race since December. He just ran far behind Renegade and Silent Tactic in the Gr. 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. He is working well at Churchill, but there are still many unknowns surrounding this bay colt’s abilities.

5. Right to Party (KY)

Pedigree: Constitution – Havin’ A Party, by Emcee
Owner: Chester Broman, Sr.
Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek
Jockey: Christopher Elliott
Breeder: Tony Holmes & Timothy C. Thornton
Race Record: 4:1-1-2
Earnings: $230,200
Total Points: 65
Morning Line Odds: 30/1
Major Wins: None
Notes: Right to Party has only run at Aqueduct. He won a 1-mile Maiden Special Weight there in January. He has since finished third in the Gr. 3 Gotham Stakes and second in the Gr. 2 Wood Memorial Stakes behind Albus. His recent works at Churchill have been average. There are no indications that he will be winning his first stakes on Saturday.

6. Commandment (KY)

Pedigree: Into Mischief – Sippican Harbor, by Orb
Owner: Wathnan Racing
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Jockey: Luis Saez
Breeder: Lee Pokoiok
Race Record: 5:4-0-0
Earnings: $1,017,339
Total Points: 150
Morning Line Odds: 6/1
Major Wins: Mucho Macho Man Stakes (Listed), Foutain of Youth Stakes (Gr. 2), Florida Derby (Gr. 1)
Notes: Commandment is the second son of Into Mischief and the second millionaire in this field. He has not lost a race since he broke his maiden at Churchill Downs in November. He is undefeated this year. On March 28^th, he won the Gr. 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park over The Puma and Chief Wallabee. He also outran Chief Wallabee in the Gr. 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes. Commandment could not look better on paper.

7. Danon Bourbon (KY)

Pedigree: Maxfield – Wild Ridge, by Tapit
Owner: Danox Co. Ltd.
Trainer: Manabu Ikezoe
Jockey: Atsuya Nishimura
Breeder: Blue Haven Farm
Race Record: 3:3-0-0
Earnings: $222,762
Total Points: 40
Morning Line Odds: 20/1
Major Wins: Fukuryu Stakes
Notes: Danon Bourbon is one of two undefeated horses in this field. He is coming off a win in the Fukuryu Stakes at Nakayama in Japan. He shipped to Churchill in April. He has an excellent pedigree but has never run on a left-handed track. It will be interesting to see how this international runner performs!

8. So Happy (KY)

Pedigree: Runhappy – So Cunning, by Blame
Owner: Norman Stables LLC & Saints or Sinners
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Jockey: Mike E. Smith
Breeder: Leverett S. Miller
Race Record: 4:3-0-1
Earnings: $480,000
Total Points: 115
Morning Line Odds: 15/1
Major Wins: San Vicente Stakes (Gr. 3), Santa Anita Derby (Gr. 1)
Notes: So Happy is coming off a win in the 1 1/8-miles Santa Anita Derby over Potente and Intrepido. His only defeat was on March 7^th when he finished third in the Gr. 2 San Felipe Stakes behind Potente and Robusta. So Happy is a really gifted horse, but it’s questionable whether he will make the 1 ¼-mile distance.

9. The Puma (KY)

Pedigree: Essential Quality – Eve of War, by Declaration of War
Owner: OGMA Investments LLC, JR Ranch, High Step Racing LLC, TCC Stables LLC & Bruce Zoldan
Trainer: Gustavo Delgado
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Breeder: Hidden Brook Farm & Brian Kahn
Race Record: 4:1-2-1
Earnings: $442,280
Total Points: 106
Morning Line Odds: 10/1
Major Wins: Tampa Bay Derby (Gr. 3)
Notes: The Puma just lost the Gr. 1 Florida Derby by a nose to Commandment. Last year’s Kentucky Derby winner, Sovereignty, also finished second in the Florida Derby. This is the same trainer-jockey combination that won the 2023 Kentucky Derby with Mage, who also finished second in the Florida Derby. The Puma’s last win was in the 1 1/16-miles Tampa Bay Derby over Further Ado. This talented chestnut could run a big race. He should not be overlooked.

10. Wonder Dean (JPN)

Pedigree: Dee Majesty (JPN) – Wonder Siang Praw, by Wonder Acute (JPN)
Owner: Yoshinari Yamamoto
Trainer: Daisuke Takayanagi
Jockey: Ryusei Sakai
Breeder: Yoshinari Yamamoto
Race Record: 6:2-2-0
Earnings: $770,541
Total Points: 106
Morning Line Odds: 30/1
Major Wins: UAE Derby (Gr. 2)
Notes: Japanese-bred Wonder Dean just won the Gr. 2 UAE Derby at Meydan Racecourse. He is one of only two horses in the field that have won a race longer than 1 1/8 miles, but in twenty attempts, no UAE Derby winner has found the Kentucky Derby winner’s circle. Wonder Dean is experienced and well-prepared, but he would still have a lot to overcome.

11. Incredibolt (KY)

Pedigree: Bolt d’Oro – Sapphire Spitfire, by Awesome Again
Owner: Pin Oak Stud LLC
Trainer: Riley Mott
Jockey: Jamie A. Torres
Breeder: Deann Baer & Greg Baer DVM
Race Record: 5:3-0-0
Earnings: $498,681
Total Points: 60
Morning Line Odds: 20/1
Major Wins: Street Sense Stakes (Gr. 3), Virginia Derby (Black Type)
Notes: On March 14^th, Incredibolt won the 1 1/8-miles Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs over Ocelli. Earlier this year, he finished last in the Gr. 3 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park. As a two-year-old, he won two races at Churchill, including the Gr. 3 Street Sense Stakes. He has a familiarity with the track and has been working extremely well this week. However, he might be outclassed in this field.

12. Chief Wallabee (KY)

Pedigree: Constitution – A La Lucie, by Medaglia d’Oro
Owner: Mike Ball & Katherine Ball
Trainer: William I. Mott
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Breeder: Mike Ball & Katherine Ball
Race Record: 3:1-1-1
Earnings: $216,600
Total Points: 50
Morning Line Odds: 8/1
Major Wins: None
Notes: Chief Wallabee just ran third in the Florida Derby behind Commandment and The Puma. He also ran second to Commandment in the Fountain of Youth Stakes. His only win was in a 7-furlong Maiden Special Weight at Gulfstream Park. He has a classic pedigree, but would need to take a major leap in class.

13. Silent Tactic (KY) – SCRATCHED

Pedigree: Tacitus – Magical Sign, by Gun Runner
Owner: John C. Oxley
Trainer: Mark E. Casse
Jockey: Critian A. Torres
Breeder: Don Alberto Corporation
Race Record: 6:2-4-0
Earnings: $1,051,922
Total Points: 100
Morning Line Odds: 20/1
Major Wins: Southwest Stakes (Gr. 3)
Notes: SCRATCHED

14. Potente (KY)

Pedigree: Into Mischief – Sweet Sting, by Awesome Again
Owner: Speedway Stables LLC
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez
Breeder: Pam & Martin Wygod
Race Record: 3:2-1-0
Earnings: $262,00
Total Points: 100
Morning Line Odds: 20/1
Major Wins: San Felipe Stakes (Gr. 2)
Notes: Potente is the third son of Into Mischief in this field. On April 4^th, he weakened in the stretch to finish second in the Santa Anita Derby behind So Happy. Earlier this year, he outran So Happy and Robusta to win the Gr. 2 San Felipe Stakes, but that was a 1/16^th shorter than the Santa Anita Derby. He’s been working great at Churchill, but If he faded at 1 1/8, he will probably fade at 1 1/4.

15. Emerging Market (KY)

Pedigree: Candy Ride (ARG) – Wild Empress, by Empire Maker
Owner: Klaravich Stables, Inc.
Trainer: Chad C. Brown
Jockey: Flavian Prat
Breeder: Stoneriggs Farm
Race Record: 2:2-0-0
Earnings: $618,880
Total Points: 100
Morning Line Odds: 20/1
Major Wins: Louisiana Derby (Gr. 2)
Notes: Emerging Market in the second undefeated horse in the field. He’s also the second horse to have won a race longer than 1 1/8 miles. On February 7^th, he won a Maiden Special Weight at Tampa Bay. He just won the Gr. 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds over Pavlovian and Golden Tempo. Even though he is likely to get the distance, he lacks experience. Emerging Market would need a monumental effort. No horse has won the Kentucky Derby in their third start since Leonatus in 1883.

16. Pavlovian (CA)

Pedigree: Pavel – Mandy’s Grace, by Bellamy Road
Owner: Reddam Racing LLC
Trainer: Doug F. O’Neill
Jockey: Edwin A. Maldonado
Breeder: Reddam Racing LLC
Race Record: 10:2-4-1
Earnings: $613,450
Total Points: 70
Morning Line Odds: 30/1
Major Wins: Sunland Park Derby (Listed)
Notes: Pavlovian has made the most starts of any horse in the field. He just finished second to Emerging Market in the Gr. 2 Louisiana Derby. On February 15^th, he won the 1 1/16-miles Sunland Park Derby. It was his first stakes win after struggling in black-type company since last fall. His connections attribute his improvement to adding blinkers. He would need further improvement to be victorious on Saturday.

17. Six Speed (KY)

Pedigree: Not This Time – Browse, by Medaglia d’Oro
Owner: Brunetti Dugan Stables, Black Type Thoroughbreds, Steve Adkisson & Swinbank Stables
Trainer: Bhupat Seemer
Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
Breeder: KatieRich Farms
Race Record: 5:3-1-1
Earnings: $402,183
Total Points: 80
Morning Line Odds: 50/1
Major Wins: UAE Two Thousand Guineas (Gr. 3)
Notes: Six Speed just finished second to Wonder Dean in the Gr. 2 UAE Derby. In January, he won the Gr. UAE Two Thousand Guineas by five lengths. This horse seems to have an abundance of speed, but he lacks stamina.

18. Further Ado (KY)

Pedigree: Gun Runner – Sky Dreamer, by Sky Mesa
Owner: Spendthrift Farm LLC
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Breeder: John C. Oxley
Race Record: 6:3-1-1
Earnings: $1,146,328
Total Points: 135
Morning Line Odds: 6/1
Major Wins: Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (Gr. 2), Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (Gr. 1)
Notes: Further Aldo is the third millionaire in this race. He is coming off an eleven-length victory in the Gr. 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. He posted an Equibase Speed Figure of 107 in that race, which is the highest Speed Figure earned by any horse in the field. He did run second to The Puma in the Gr. 3 Tampa Bay Derby, but, unlike The Puma, he has won at Churchill Downs. Further Aldo won the Gr. 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes against a good group of two-year-olds last fall. He seems like a legitimate contender.

19. Golden Tempo (KY)

Pedigree: Curlin – Carrumba, by Bernardini
Owner: Phipps Stable & St. Elias Stable
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Breeder: Phipps Stable & St. Elias Stables
Race Record: 4:2-0-2
Earnings: $333,000
Total Points: 60
Morning Line Odds: 30/1
Major Wins: Lecomte Stakes (Gr. 3)
Notes: Golden Tempo just finished third in the Gr. 3 Louisiana Derby behind Emerging Market and Pavlovian. He also finished third in the Gr. 2 Risen Star Stakes. In January, he won the Gr. 3 Lecomte Stakes. He’s only run at Fair Grounds. Curlin has sired three Kentucky Derby runners-up – Exaggerator, Good Magic and Journalism. Golden Tempo would have to run the race of his life to break the “Curlin Derby Curse.”

20. Fulleffort (KY) — SCRATCHED

Pedigree: Liam’s Map – Callmethesqueeze, by Awesome Again
Owner: St. Elias Stable & Starlight Racing
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Breeder: Athens Woods LLC
Race Record: 7:3-2-1
Earnings: $694,115
Total Points: 110
Morning Line Odds: 20/1
Major Wins: Jeff Ruby Steaks (Gr. 3)
Notes: On March 21^st, Fulleffort won the Gr. 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park. The Kentucky Derby will be his first start on dirt, but he’s been working brilliantly at Churchill. Fulleffort would have to give just that.

21. Great White (KY)

Pedigree: Volatile – Kelly Bag, by Unlce Mo
Owner: Three Chimneys Farm & John Ennis
Trainer: John Ennis
Jockey: Alex Achard
Breeder: Stud TNT, LLC
Race Record: 4:2-0-0
Earnings: $202,495
Total Points: 30
Morning Line Odds: 50/1
Major Wins: John Battaglia Memorial Stakes (Listed)
Notes: Great White made it into the Derby after Silent Tactic scratched. He faded to finish fifth behind Further Ado in the Gr. 1 Blue Grass Stakes. He won the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes over Fulleffort in February, but at a shorter distance. He probably won’t get the distance.

22. Ocelli (KY)

Pedigree: Connect – Zalia, by Scat Daddy
Owner: Ashley Durr, Anthony Tate & Front Page Equestrian, LLC
Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman
Jockey: Joseph D. Ramos
Breeder: Rosedown Racing Stables, LLC
Race Record: 6:0-1-3
Earnings: $109,800
Total Points: 25
Morning Line Odds: 50/1
Major Wins: None
Notes: Ocelli has never won a race. If he gets into the Derby, he would be the first maiden to win the race since Brokers Tip in 1933.

ALSO ELLIGIBLE

23. Robusta (KY)

Pedigree: Accelerate – Urbane Legend, by Into Mischief
Owner: Calumet Farm
Trainer: Doug F. O’Neill
Jockey: Emisael Jaramillo
Breeder: Calumet Farm
Race Record: 5:1-1-0
Earnings: $83,500
Total Points: 25
Morning Line Odds: 50/1
Major Wins: None
Notes: Robusta just ran last in the Gr. 1 Santa Anita Derby. He showed promise when he ran second to Potente in the Gr. 2 San Felipe Stakes, but he will likely be outclassed if he gets into the Derby.

24. Corona de Oro (KY)

Pedigree: Bol d’Oro – Lemon De Oro, Lemon Drop Kid
Owner: On Our Own Stable LLC, Commonwealth Stable, U Racing Stables LLC, Saints or Sinners, Titletown Racing LLC, Jim Nichols, Edwin S. Barker, Daniel Rivers, John Haines & Dallas Stewart
Trainer: Dallas Stewart
Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
Breeder: Willow Oaks Stables, LLC
Race Record: 5:1-1-2
Earnings: $92,540
Total Points: 25
Morning Line Odds: 50/1
Major Wins: None
Notes: Corona de Oro broke his maiden in March. He just finished third in the Gr. 3 Stonestreet Lexington Stakes. He probably won’t get into the Derby.