Horse racing’s Triple Crown kicks off this weekend with the 152 nd Kentucky Derby. As is the case every year, the top 20 three-year-old thoroughbreds descend on Churchill Downs for the 2026 Run for the Roses. This year’s race is more wide-open than recentniterations, and virtually any one of the horses is capable of stunning the field in Kentucky.
Let’s take a look at some of the top contenders and live underdogs that could cash in on exotics at the Kentucky Derby!
Kentucky Derby Favorites
Renegade (4-1)
According to the morning line, Renegade enters the paddocks as the undisputed favorite to be crowned Kentucky Derby champion. Currently listed at 4-1, Renegade should stay close to the top of the betting board leading up to post time.
This colt is peaking at the right time. Renegade has increased speed figures in each of his last two races, peaking with 121 in the Arkansas Derby. Not surprisingly, that correlates with back-to-back wins against premier competition.
Finally, Renegade is Into Mischief’s progeny, and that colt has already bred two Kentucky Derby winners. Renegade can extend that legacy with a win on Saturday.
Further Ado (6-1)
Arguably, Further Ado has the highest ceiling of any horse in this race. The Colt posted a blazing 127 speed figure last time out, trampling the Blue Grass field.
Moreover, the colt has wins in three of his last four races, besting some of the best competition in the circuit. Ridden by John Velazquez, Further Ado could enter the 2026 Kentucky Derby as the shortest horse on the board.
Commandment (6-1)
Another horse sired by Into Michief, Commandment will be near the front of the pack from start to finish at Churchill Downs.
This bay colt is one of the best pure runners in the field. Commandment has won four straight races, with his last two speed figures eclipsing 122. Further, he hasn’t fallen below 104 in any of his five races.
Our biggest concern with Commandment is whether he can handle the extra distance. If he runs out of steam down the stretch, he could be passed by some of the other contenders in this year’s race.
Chief Wallabee (8-1)
Chief Wallabee pushed Commandment in the Florida Derby and 2026 Fountain of Youth. Could this be the first time the colt surpasses him and claims the roses?
Unfortunately for Chief Wallabee, this colt is trending in the wrong direction. He posted a scoring 133 speed figure at Gulfstream to kick off the racing season, following that up with 123 in the Foutain of Youth and 121 at the Florida Derby.
As noted, the knock on Chief Wallabee is that he is a step behind Commandment in every race. Unfortunately, we’re not anticipating him bucking that trend at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby Longshots
Right to Party (30-1)
Given his name, expect Right to Party to be the betting public’s preferred option on Saturday. Still, there are a few factors playing into his potential ascent in Louisville.
Right to Party is always in the mix. He’s finished in the money in all four or his races, albeit against lesser-than-competition in some of those offerings. While he doesn’t have the top speed figures, this colt is a crafty and opportunistic runner that could have plenty of lanes in the chaos of the Kentucky Derby.
Keep this colt in mind for the bottom of exotics. His lack of top-end speed makes him a throw-out at the top of tickets, but he’s got plenty of potential to cash at the bottom.
Great White (50-1)
Consistency has limited Great White from achieving his full potential. If he’s at his best, this gelding should stay with the frontrunners at Churchill Downs.
Coming off a disappointing fifth-place finish at the Blue Grass, Great White has shown he has plenty of speed and distance to make a run for the roses. His speed figure has peaked at 109, but he’ll be tested from the second-to-last outside post. The key for Great White is finding a path to the rail early, and if that’s the case he’s a solid bet to be
in the mix.
Great White is an all-or-nothing bet. We like him to finish strong at the Kentucky Derby, and wouldn’t be shocked if he uses the extra distance for an unsuspecting finish on Saturday.
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