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The Puma Favored for 152nd Kentucky Derby

5/1/2026

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Summary

The Puma Backed

The 152nd Kentucky Derby runs at Churchill Downs in Louisville on May 2, 2026 at 6:57 p.m. ET.
Around 150,000 fans are expected at the track, with millions watching on TV.
Renegade (4-1) draws post position 1 while Further Ado, Commandment, Chief Wallabee and The Puma complete the top odds.
SportsLine’s Jody Demling backs The Puma (10-1) and a longshot while fading Renegade, with analyst Michelle Yu also backing The Puma and fading Commandment.

Summary

Derby Overview

The Derby purse is $5 million, with $3.1 million for the winner and $1 million for second place.
Tickets cost $137.35 for infield general admission and $2,075 for premium packages.
Forecasts call for dry weather, a high of 62 °F, a low of 39 °F and partly cloudy skies.
New Mexico bettors cannot wager on the Derby because a simulcast dispute blocked the signal.

History

Historical Context

The Kentucky Derby began in 1875 at Churchill Downs, revived by Matt Winn in 1902 and later famed for Secretariat’s 1973 record 1:59.4 run before a 134,476 crowd. Since the $1 million purse in 1996, prize money has risen, reaching $5 million for the 2026 running, prompting Kentucky Horse Racing Commission review and new Jockey Club betting rules.

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The Puma Backed

The 152nd Kentucky Derby runs at Churchill Downs in Louisville on May 2, 2026 at 6:57 p.m. ET.
Around 150,000 fans are expected at the track, with millions watching on TV.
Renegade (4-1) draws post position 1 while Further Ado, Commandment, Chief Wallabee and The Puma complete the top odds.
SportsLine’s Jody Demling backs The Puma (10-1) and a longshot while fading Renegade, with analyst Michelle Yu also backing The Puma and fading Commandment.

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