The TAC 2026 Kentucky Derby Preview
The 152nd Kentucky Derby is set to take place in Louisville, Kentucky, with 19 horses competing for the prestigious title. Renegade is the betting favorite at 4–1 odds despite drawing the challenging inside post position 1. Key contenders include Chief Wallabee and Commandment, both of whom have strong performances leading into the race.
- ▪Renegade, the favorite at 4–1 odds, will start from post position 1, a historically difficult spot with only 20 percent of win, place, and show finishes since 1930.
- ▪Owner Mike Repole is 0–8 in Derby appearances and seeks his first win, as does jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., despite his five Eclipse Awards.
- ▪Chief Wallabee, at 8–1 odds, will start from post 12 and is trained by Bill Mott with jockey Junior Alvarado aiming for back-to-back Derby wins.
- ▪Commandment is undefeated in 2026, earned over $1 million, and secured 100 qualifying points with a win in the Florida Derby.
- ▪Commandment, trained by Louisville native Brad Cox, will start from post 6 with jockey Luis Saez seeking his first official Kentucky Derby victory after a disqualification in 2019.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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