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Derby 2026: May 2 Race, April 25 Draw Limits Field

4/24/2026

Summary

Intrepido Qualifies

The Kentucky Derby will be run on May 2, 2026 at Churchill Downs.
Intrepido, trained by Jeff Mullins, earned 38 points (rank 17) after finishing fourth in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 4.
So Happy, the Santa Anita Derby (GI) winner, jogged a mile at Churchill Downs under jockey Gustavo Alvarado.
The post-position draw is scheduled for April 25, limiting the field to 20 horses by points.

Summary

Wonder Dean Targets

Japan aims to break its 0-for-10 Kentucky Derby drought with Wonder Dean targeting the May 2, 2026 race.
Wonder Dean, bred by Yoshinari Yamamoto, won the UAE Derby by 2½ lengths with jockey Cristian Demuro.
Nevada odds list Wonder Dean at 40-1 and Danon Bourbon at 20-1, making them the highest-priced Japanese entries.
Trainer Manabu Ikezoe, 44, flew from Japan to Churchill Downs after a 42-hour Chicago quarantine to supervise Danon Bourbon.

Summary

Demling Predicts Derby

Jody Demling logged 12 Kentucky Oaks-Derby doubles over 17 years and correctly called the 2025 Derby top three and Preakness exacta.
He discounts Commandment (5-1) because Brad Cox’s Derby starters average ninth-place finishes.
Demling backs Renegade (9-2) as a Derby favorite to win since 2018, noting Todd Pletcher’s 65 Derby starters.
The Better Derby Betting panel favored Further Ado, Fulleffort and Chief Wallabee, noting jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.’s 0-for-9 Derby record.

Summary

Derby Week Begins

Derby Week begins Saturday, April 24, and runs seven days, with the Derby and Oaks draws at midday on the second-floor terrace.
The Kentucky Oaks will be broadcast live by NBC at 8:40 p.m. on May 1.
New betting formats—Jackpot 8, Odd-vs-Even and Matchup—will appear on select races.
Tickets cost $30 general, $45 reserved, $149 reserved dining, and marathon medal holders receive free entry.

History

Historical Context

The Kentucky Derby, inaugurated on May 17, 1875, at Churchill Downs, established a significant American horse racing tradition. Founded by Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., the Derby has evolved into the first leg of the Triple Crown, attracting top competitors and impacting the local economy. The event continues to innovate, with the 2026 Derby showcasing diverse horses and modern betting formats.

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Intrepido Qualifies

The Kentucky Derby will be run on May 2, 2026 at Churchill Downs.
Intrepido, trained by Jeff Mullins, earned 38 points (rank 17) after finishing fourth in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 4.
So Happy, the Santa Anita Derby (GI) winner, jogged a mile at Churchill Downs under jockey Gustavo Alvarado.
The post-position draw is scheduled for April 25, limiting the field to 20 horses by points.

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