2026 Kentucky Derby: The Favorite, Longshots, and Storylines for the Triple Crown’s First Jewel
The Run for the Roses takes place Saturday with Renegade the favorite, Litmus Test a speedy longshot, and trainer Bob Baffert seeking horse racing history.
A horse walks back to the barn area during morning workouts ahead of the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on April 25, 2026. Michael Reaves/Getty Images
The Kentucky Derby has many monikers—The Run for the Roses, The First Jewel of the Triple Crown—but perhaps the most fitting is The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports, as there is always so much buildup for an event that lasts 120 seconds.
The 152nd running of the Derby takes place Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Ross Kelly is a sports journalist who has been published by ESPN, CBS and USA Today. He has also done statistical research for Stats Inc. and Synergy Sports Technology. A graduate of LSU, Ross resides in Houston.
