2026 Kentucky Derby picks, odds, predictions, favorites: Best bets by top expert who had $1,045 win last year
CBS Sports • • general
Key Points:
- The 20 horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby have been assigned post positions, with favorite Renegade starting from the No. 1 spot, a position that has not produced a winner from the rail in 40 years.
- Renegade is the morning-line favorite at 4-1 odds, but four other horses, including Commandment and Further Ado at 6-1, are also strong contenders according to early odds.
- Expert handicapper Gene Menez, known for accurate past Kentucky Derby predictions, is fading favorite Renegade due to his tendency to fade in traffic and instead favors other horses like Chief Wallabee, who has strong competition ratings despite fewer races.
- Menez highlights a top pick who benefited from the post position draw and a double-digit longshot as the best value in the race, with full picks and betting advice available on SportsLine.
- Fans are encouraged to use exclusive betting offers such as TwinSpires code CBSSPORTS and FanDuel Racing bonuses to place bets on the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
