Kentucky Derby power rankings by odds: Renegade tops list in Run for the Roses

Elizabeth Flores, USA TODAYWed, April 29, 2026 at 10:20 AM UTC

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Kentucky Derby power rankings by odds: Renegade tops list in Run for the Roses

The countdown to the 152nd Kentucky Derby is underway as this legendary event once again unites twenty of the nation’s elite three-year-old thoroughbreds, each chasing the garland of roses and igniting the quest for the Triple Crown.

Leading the field is Renegade, the morning line favorite, trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher and paired with Irad Ortiz Jr. Renegade’s dominant prep race performances have set him apart as the horse to beat.

Not far behind is Further Ado, Brad Cox’s contender who surged to victory in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes last month. Boasting a pedigree rich with champions and a powerful late kick, Further Ado has become a favorite ahead of the race. Cox’s Derby lineup is further bolstered by Commandment, who enters with 6-1 morning line odds. With tactical speed and remarkable consistency, Commandment gives Cox a one-two punch on the course.

As the Kentucky Derby draws near, fans are eager to uncover which contender will surge to victory beneath the Twin Spires. Here’s a look at the current power rankings by odds.

More: 2026 Kentucky Derby: Date, time, what to know about Run for the Roses

1 / 0Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby

A horse is bathed after morning workouts during Dawn at the Downs on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.

2026 Kentucky Derby Power Rankings

Kentucky Derby odds according to kentuckyderby.com as of 12 p.m. Tuesday, April 28:

1: Renegade , odds: 4-1

Renegade, the standout contender for this year’s Kentucky Derby, boasts an exceptional pedigree as the son of Mischief and out of a dam from the legendary Curlin lineage, one of the most celebrated families in thoroughbred racing. His bloodlines speak to both speed and stamina, qualities that have defined champions of the past. Renegade’s recent triumph in the Arkansas Derby further cemented his status as the horse to watch. Despite drawing the challenging No. 1 post position, Renegade’s explosive acceleration and tactical versatility make him the heavy favorite to claim the coveted garland of roses.

2. Commandment, odds: 6-1

Commandment enters the Kentucky Derby with impressive momentum, having won four consecutive graded stakes races, including the Florida Derby and Fountain of Youth Stakes. His latest triumph came in February’s Classic Derby, where he showcased his stamina over a 1-1/16 mile distance. A colt of exceptional breeding, Commandment is sired by Into Mischief and is out of a mare by Orb. With a proven track record against top competition and the backing of elite bloodlines, Commandment is viewed by many as a serious threat to capture the roses on Derby day.

3. Further Ado, odds: 6-1

Trained by Brad Cox, Further Ado stands out as a top contender in this year’s Run for the Roses. He is the son of Gun Runner, a champion stallion celebrated for his 12 career victories and title as Horse of the Year. Further Ado has already demonstrated his consistency on the track, winning three of his six starts and placing in the others. Notably, he excels on dirt surfaces.

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4. Chief Wallabee, odds: 8-1

Chief Wallabee is guided by the accomplished duo of trainer Bill Mott and jockey Junior Alvarado, the same team that captured last year’s Kentucky Derby. This season, Chief Wallabee has shown consistent improvement across three starts, highlighted by a decisive victory at Gulfstream Park in January. Boasting an exceptional pedigree, he is sired by a multiple Grade 1 winner and hails from a dam with stakes-winning credentials.

5. The Puma, odds: 10-1

The Puma enters the Kentucky Derby as a long shot, having raced only three times this season. Despite limited experience, he turned heads with a strong runner-up finish in the Florida Derby, a key prep race for the Run for the Roses. In March, The Puma defied expectations by capturing a stakes victory at Tampa Bay Downs over 1-1/16 miles, closing speed against a competitive field. With his recent form and ability to outrun the odds, The Puma could prove to be a dark horse capable of shaking up the Derby landscape.

6. So Happy, odds: 15-1

So Happy has put together an impressive campaign this season, capturing three victories, including a standout performance in the Santa Anita Stakes. In that race, contested over 1 1/8 miles, So Happy defied 7-1 odds to outkick a competitive field. Although his accomplishments are noteworthy, So Happy is still considered a long shot in the Kentucky Derby due to the exceptional depth and quality of this year’s field.

7. Danon Bourbon, odds: 20-1

Danon Bourbon arrives at Churchill Downs, making his highly anticipated U.S. debut after an undefeated campaign in Japan. The colt has three consecutive victories, including a stakes-record performance. Danon Bourbon’s pedigree is equally impressive; he is the son of Maxfield, a champion who won eight of his eleven career starts and earned a reputation for resilience on the track. While Danon Bourbon’s accomplishments overseas are noteworthy, he faces significant questions as a long shot in the Kentucky Derby because he has never raced outside Japan and will be testing himself against the deepest field of his career, on unfamiliar dirt.

8. Incredibolt, odds: 20-1

Incredibolt brings solid credentials to the Kentucky Derby, having demonstrated consistency on dirt surfaces across his five career starts, with three victories. His most notable win came in March at the Virginia Derby, where he defied the odds to outlast a competitive field over 1 1/8 miles.

9: Silent Tactic, odds: 20-1

Silent Tactic arrives at the Kentucky Derby as a consistent and versatile performer, having raced six times with two victories and four straight top-two finishes. Among his wins are a competitive stakes triumph at Oaklawn Park and an impressive score at Woodbine on the all-weather surface. With a knack for rising to the occasion against tough fields, Silent Tactic could surprise many as he steps onto racing’s grandest stage.

10: Potenete, odds: 20-1

Potenete has won two of the three races he has entered this season. While he has demonstrated his ability to win, his limited experience could prove to be a significant challenge in the Kentucky Derby, making him a long shot to win the garland of roses.

When is 2026 Kentucky Derby?

The 152nd Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026. Fans can view the Kentucky Derby on NBC and USA Network, with streaming available on Peacock.

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026

Time: 2:30 p.m. ET - 7:30 p.m. ET

TV: NBC, USA Network

Stream: Peacock

Location: Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 Kentucky Derby power rankings by odds: Renegade leads field

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