Even if you don’t follow horse racing and can’t name who won the race last year, many across the country will gather around the television this weekend with their bet slips in their hands and watch the Kentucky Derby. The “Most Exciting Two Minutes” in sports will be run on Saturday, and we are here to break down all the important information for you. Here’s our 2026 Kentucky Derby preview.
What Happened in 2025
The 2025 Derby was a thriller. The horse, Journalism, entered as a big favorite, but finished second on a rain-soaked track. Throughout, it was a close race but coming from the middle of the pack was Sovereignty who ended up crossing the finish line first. Sovereignty was at 7-1 odds at the beginning and made it a Derby to remember.
The Field in 2026
It should be a fun field for this year’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. There are a lot of horses who are believed to be neck and neck for the best odds as we enter the weekend. 20 horses will go at it as their owners watch in their suites and can only hope they will be handed the roses when it’s all said and done. There are about 10 owners who are likely licking their chops as the race approaches.
Horses to Watch
-Potente is not necessarily the most popular horse in this race but it is owned by Bob Baffert who dominates the Derby and wants another trophy.
-Renegade is the big name to watch here and considered the favorite by just a hair. Renegade finished second in its last start and is a Todd Pletcher-trained horse which bodes well.
-Commandment is the most popular horse in this race and won at the Florida Derby. Commandment holds the highest ranking of any horse in the race and has the second-best odds to win.
-Further Ado, like Commandment, has been given 6/1 odds to win the race. In Further Ado’s last start, the horse finished first. The 7.9 rating given to the horse is just .01 worse than Commandment so I expect them to be head-to-head at the end for a photo finish.
Best Names in the Field
Like any other horse race, betting comes down to which horse has the best skill set, and which has the best name (serious betters probably do not follow that advice). That being said, here are my favorite names and my winner prediction.
For the best names, give me Pavlovian, Six Speed, Right to Party, and Litmus Test.
For my prediction, I am going with the horse that has incredible skill and name. Without further ado, I am going with Further Ado!