Last-Minute Changes and Top Contenders for the 2026 Kentucky Derby

The 2026 Kentucky Derby is set to kick off on Saturday, May 2, with a flurry of last-minute changes shaking up the field. Three horses—Silent Tactic, Fulleffort, and Right to Party—have been scratched from the race due to various injuries, making way for newcomers Great White, Ocelli, and Robusta.

Top Contenders and Odds

Renegade, Commandment, and So Happy emerge as the top contenders, with Renegade leading the pack at 5-1 odds. Commandment follows closely at 7-1, while So Happy stands at 6-1. The full list of starting positions and odds can be found below:

• No. 1: Renegade | odds: 5-1
• No. 6: Commandment | odds: 7-1
• No. 8: So Happy | odds: 6-1

Where to Watch the Race

Fans can catch all the action live on NBC and USA Network, with streaming available on Peacock. The broadcast will run from 2:30 p.m. ET to 7:30 p.m. ET.

Kentucky Oaks Recap

On Friday, Always a Runner, trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Jose Ortiz, won the $1.5 million, Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks. The filly covered the 1⅛ miles in 1:48.82, pulling away with 5-1 odds. Meaning and Counting Stars finished second and third, respectively.

Payouts and Results

Here are the payouts based on a $2 bet for the Kentucky Oaks:

• Always a Runner (Win): $13.04
• Meaning (Place): $7.44
• Counting Stars (Show): $5.36

Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta payouts are also available, with the Superfecta paying out $1,845.74 for a $1 bet.

References

• 2026 Kentucky Derby live updates: Horses, odds, post positions, picks for Saturday