Early Kentucky Derby Odds & Notable Prep Races (May 2)

An unforgettable edition of the Breeders’ Cup has come and gone, with Forever Young outlasting Sierra Leone and Fierceness in a thrilling edition of the Classic. Now, all eyes turn back to the opening leg of the Triple Crown, which will be run at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The early Kentucky Derby odds can be found here.

Early Kentucky Derby Odds

Kentucky Derby Recent Winners

Kentucky Derby: Event Information

Road to the Kentucky Derby 2026

The countdown to the start of the Triple Crown is already well underway. The main prep races aren’t slated until the start of 2026, but the leaderboard is already taking shape. Ted Noffey currently leads the way after maintaining his perfect start under rules with a breathtaking display in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Del Mar.

However, transforming that form into his three-year-old campaign is now the big question, as no Juvenile winner has followed up at Churchill Downs since Nyquist in 2016.

The prep events on the Road to the Kentucky Derby got underway in September, and the initial races will continue until the start of January. Interesting, the Street Sense, won by Sovereignty in 2024, was claimed by Incredibolt in late October.

Major races on the early three-year-old calendar include the Lecomte (Jan 17), Robert B. Lewis (Jan 31), and the Sam F. Davis (Feb 7). However, the Championship series, and big points-scoring races are staged between February and April. The full schedule can be found below:

International Runners in the 2026 Kentucky Derby

Following Japan’s success in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, there could be added international attention on the Derby in 2026. International runners have a number of prep races, with the most notable coming in the Middle East.

The UAE 2000 Guineas will be staged on January 23, while the Saudi Derby is run on February 14, 2026. However, the most important international prep could come from Meydan on March 28 when the UAE Derby is staged.

Forever Young was the winner of that prep in 2024 before being beaten a short head when third in the Kentucky Derby.

Early Kentucky Derby Pick

The prep series will be worth watching when it comes to making a Kentucky Derby pick in 2026.

The Florida Derby has a good strike-rate of discovering the winner, with 25 victors at Churchill Downs passing through the contest at Gulfstream Park, including Mage in 2023. Other races with positive strike-rates include the Santa Anita Derby, the Arkansas Derby, and the Louisiana Derby.

Ted Noffey sets a clear standard at this early stage, but Mr A. P. was an eye-catching second in the Juvenile. The son of American Pharoah covered ground late in the race to take second, and he should be bred to excel over further.