Baffert Eyes Record-Breaking Win
Legendary trainer Bob Baffert has the opportunity to make history at the 2026 Kentucky Derby. He aims to break a tie with Ben Jones for the most wins by a trainer. Baffert’s contenders are Potente (20-1) and Litmus Test (30-1).
The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, May 2 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. The gates open at 6:57 p.m. ET.
Baffert has already secured six Kentucky Derby wins and trained the last two Triple Crown winners. His expertise might give his longshot horses an edge.
Early Odds and Expert Predictions
Renegade is the favourite in the latest Kentucky Derby 2026 betting odds at 4-1. Further Ado and Commandment are close behind at 6-1. Renegade recently won the Arkansas Derby.
Racing reporter and analyst Michelle Yu is sharing her 2026 Kentucky Derby betting picks and predictions. She has a history of successful predictions. Yu is known for identifying longshots.
In 2021, Yu picked Medina Spirit to win at 12-1. She also suggested All Other 3-Year-Olds in Pool 5 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which cashed at 18-1 when Rich Strike won.
Yu’s 2025 predictions included Citizen Bull in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes, Forever Young in the Saudi Cup, Journalism in the San Felipe Stakes, Sandman in the Arkansas Derby, and Mindframe in the Churchill Downs Stakes. She also hit the exacta in the Kentucky Derby.
Yu’s Surprise Pick: Fading Commandment
Yu is fading Commandment, one of the favourites at 6-1. Commandment is coming off a win in the Florida Derby, narrowly defeating The Puma (10-1). However, Yu notes that Commandment slowed down near the end of the Florida Derby.
“I don’t like that his win margins have diminished as the races have gotten longer,” Yu said. She acknowledged his performance in the Florida Derby, calling it “very game”.
Where to Find Yu’s Picks
Yu nailed the Renegade-Silent Tactic-Taptastic trifecta in the Arkansas Derby in March 2026. Her 2026 Kentucky Derby betting picks are available on SportsLine.
The post positions are now set and odds are on the board for the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
With the 2026 Kentucky Derby approaching, Baffert’s pursuit of a record and Yu’s expert picks add intrigue to the race.