At 6:57 PM ET, approximately 150,000 people will be inside Churchill Downs Racecourse to see which competitor will win the first leg of the 2026 Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby. This year’s field includes a deep list of contenders, hidden horses and long shots. But who is the best of the best at Saturday’s event?

We want to answer that question with our rankings of the 2026 Kentucky Derby horses, as well as the best bets to win, show and place tonight.

20.Oceli (50-1)

Ouseley, a horse trained by D. Whitworth Beckman, jumped into the 2026 Kentucky Derby after several horses, including Right to Party, were ruled out of tonight’s race. Although Ouseley has six championships on his resume, he does not have any wins to his name. Furthermore, he is entering this year’s derby on a downward trend after finishing sixth in his last three matches.

19. Fearless (50-1)

Early in his career, the Jeff Mullins-trained colt Intrepido showed great promise after winning two of his first three races, including last year’s American Pharoah. However, since then, the horse has been struggling. Finished fifth in the following race, and finished fourth at Santa Anita a few weeks earlier. That’s why he’s a big underdog this Saturday.

18.Robusta (50-1)

Calumet Farms product Robusta has been awarded a spot in this year’s event after suffering three scratches during race week. The colt is a huge underdog due to his disappointing career so far. While the three-year-old has first- and second-place finishes on his five-race resume, he also has a pair of seventh-place finishes. That includes a showdown against several derby competitors at Santa Anita last month.

17. Great White (50-1)

The John Ennis-trained colt Great White has been all over the map in his first four races. The three-year-old won his debut match in December and the John Battaglia Memorial in February. However, White finished fifth in his other two races, including the Blue Grass in April. This unpredictability is a major reason why he is one of the biggest underdogs on Saturday.

16. golden time (30-1)

The Cherie Devaux-trained horse Golden Tempo made a solid start to his career by winning the first two races. However, when his team increased the competition this year by placing him in a G2 race, the three-year-old struggled. Finished third in two races in Louisiana. That’s why the tempo on Saturday is seen as a long shot.

15. Litmus Test (30-1)

Bob Baffert’s colt Litmus Test is one of the most experienced competitors in this weekend’s race. However, this is rarely a good thing. In six races, he has only two wins, and his chances of advancing to Saturday are long after a very disappointing seventh-place finish in the Arkansas Derby in March.

14. Six Speed ​​(50-1)

The Bhupat Seemar-trained colt Six Speed ​​is one of the exotic-bred contenders in this Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. The horse is also one of the more inexperienced competitors, having only three contests in his career. However, Speed ​​has performed well so far, winning two of those three races. Nevertheless, given the weak level of competition he has faced so far in the UAE, he remains a long chance in the derby.

For riskier punters looking for an under-the-radar show option with great odds, Speed ​​is a horse to keep an eye on.

13. Albus (30-1)

The Riley Mott-trained horse Albus had a slow start when he debuted last year. Finished fourth and third in his first two matches. However, 2026 has been far better for the three-year-old as he has scored two consecutive wins, including the Wood Memorial in April. Albus is an interesting show choice on Saturday.

12. Wonder Dean (30-1)

Japanese colt Wonder Dean is one of the international competitors in the 2026 event. The Yoshinari Yamamoto-trained colt has appeared on the track only twice since his debut in the Saudi Derby in February. However, a UAE Derby victory over fellow Kentucky contender Six Speed ​​shows he is the top foreign horse this weekend. Dean is a solid choice for the show on Saturday.

11. Pavlovian (30-1)

The Doug O’Neill-trained colt Pavlovian is one of the most experienced horses in this year’s race after competing in 10 contests since his debut in May 2025. However, he is one of the biggest underdogs in the event as he has just two wins to his name.

Nevertheless, despite average performances throughout his career, Pavlovian finished second to fellow Kentucky competitor Emerging Markets in the Louisiana Derby. So he has a chance to win the show bet, but he’s a sleeper tonight.

10. Incredibolt (20-1)

The colt Incredibolt, trained by Riley Mott, has had a checkered career. That’s why he’s at the back of the betting odds at the event after finishing sixth at the G3 Face off in January. However, Incredibolt turned heads in March when he won the Virginia Derby, leading some to wonder if he could perform better than expected on Kentucky’s fast dirt track and likely place second this weekend.

9. Mighty (20-1)

Potente, a three-year-old trained by racing legend Bob Baffert, is an interesting betting choice heading into the Kentucky Derby. The colt has appeared on the track only three times since his debut in January. However, he has scored two wins and a second against notable Kentucky contender So Happy at Santa Anita in early April. Potente is an interesting alternative to place and show bets.

8. Chief Wallaby (8-1)

The William Mott-trained colt Chief Wallaby will take to the track for the fourth time in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. Although there are good odds for the three-year-old, it would be a big surprise if he won the race. In his last two meets, he has lost twice to fellow Kentucky competitor Commandment, including a third-place finish to both Commandment and The Puma in Florida.

7. Dannon Bourbon (20-1)

Although Dannon Bourbon grew up in Kentucky, the Manabu Ikezo-trained colt went to Chiba, Japan in March for his debut and finished first. Despite being the least experienced of all the horses in this year’s race, Bourbon has solid prospects. Showing that the three-year-old has talent will be a big problem on Saturday. The Colts are a sleeper option as a win bet tonight.

6. Emerging Markets (15-1)

The Chad Brown-trained colt Emerging Markets is an under-the-radar sleeper in the 2026 Kentucky Derby. Yes, he only has two races on his resume after making his debut in February. However, after those races, he has two wins on his record. Including a big win in the Louisiana Derby, where he defeated fellow Kentucky Derby competitors Pavlovian and Golden Tempo. The market is a great option for place bets.

5. Very Happy (15-1)

The Mark Glatt-trained colt So Happy enters this year’s Kentucky Derby as a top contender after an impressive start to his career. Since debuting in January 2025, the three-year-old has won three of his four races. Although he faltered when finishing third at San Felipe in March, So Happy bounced back with a big win at Santa Anita in April. A race that included fellow Kentucky competitors Potente and Intrepido.

Happy could certainly show up on Saturday, but he’s an intriguing option for bettors looking for a sleeper option for the Place.

4. Forward Movement (6-1)

Furthermore, Edo’s career had an up-and-down start, finishing third and fifth in his first two races. However, since then, the Brad Cox-trained colt has been on fire. Won three of his last four starts, while his only loss was a second-place finish to one of the favorites in the Kentucky Derby, The Puma. Also Edo will get a lot of stakes for the show and place tonight, but he has the talent to win it all.

3.Pumas (10-1)

Puma – trained by Gustavo Delgado – is a favorite going into the 2026 Kentucky Derby as he has faced stiff competition during his four-race career. While they only have one win (never lower than a third-place finish), they have previously faced Kentucky competitors Chief Wallaby, Renegade, Forward Edo and Commandment.

This gives Delgado important information to further prepare his talented horse for victory in Saturday’s race.

2. Ajna (6-1)

Commandment is one of two Brad Cox-trained horses who are a real threat to win the Kentucky Derby. After a surprising fourth place finish on its debut in October, the team has reworked and Commandment is very excited ahead of this year’s race.

The colt has won four in a row, including big wins over The Pumas and Chief Wallaby in the Florida Derby in March. Commandment will be a popular choice among bettors and is our pick to win the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

1. Renegade (4-1)

The Todd Pletcher-trained colt Renegade enters the 2026 Kentucky Derby as one of the favorites due to his strong five-race career and recent hot streak. While he finished third in his debut in August 2025, he has steadily improved in each race since.

Renegade has won two in a row, including a strong performance in March when he placed first in the Arkansas Derby. However, his February win at Sam Davis may have been his best win to date as it also included another Kentucky contender, The Puma. Renegade is the safest bet for Show and Place on Saturday, and the favorite to win for good reason.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

chelsea Youngster Kendry Paez’s momentum at River Plate has taken another turn, following a difficult night on the heels of his first Superclásico start that raised new questions about his role – and ultimately, over his future on loan.

The 18-year-old, on loan from Chelsea, was given a starting chance against Boca Juniors Making an impact on the bench just a few days ago. However, River suffered a 0–1 defeat at the Monumental and Paez struggled to make an impact before being substituted after 57 minutes.

This was a sharp contrast to his recent performance, and could again impact how Rivers manages his minutes moving forward.

From impact subs to tough superclásicos

Páez earned his place in the XI after changing the game against Carabobo, where he came on and provided the assist for the winning goal in just 39 minutes.

That performance propelled him into contention and, ultimately, into the starting lineup for one of the biggest fixtures in South American football. Against Boca, however, the context was very different.

River dominated in periods of possession but lacked cutting edge and Paez struggled to impose himself between the lines. Although he showed personality from time to time, his overall contribution remained limited.

The numbers reflect that struggle. He had 32 touches but did not register a single shot. He completed 9 of 16 passes and failed to complete one dribble.

Furthermore, he lost too many possessions, lost possession 15 times and could not provide the creative spark River needed.

Criticism follows performance

The demonstration did not go unnoticed in Argentina. River legend Reinaldo “Mostaza” Merlo offered a candid assessment after the match, questioning both Paez’s impact and physical presence. His words were relayed hail.

“I thought Páez would not play because he only played a little bit against Carabobo. He played well for a short period of time [against Carabobo] Nothing else.”

“I have watched him since he arrived and he is a soft player. Coudet inserted players inside to keep the ball. They had the ball at times, but lacked depth and danger. Then they struggled to be clinical.”

He then criticized the player’s attitude as he was carried off the pitch and showed no ‘sorrow or regret’ after the final whistle.

“Losing a derby always hurts. It hurts. You have to endure as long as it takes and then you have to start again.”

The criticism highlights the level of scrutiny Paez now faces, especially in high-pressure matches.

What this means for Chelsea and loans

For Chelsea, such ups and downs are part of the development process. Paez is still adapting to a new environment, a new tactical system and the demands of a club like River.

However, it also reinforces uncertainty about their role. he went away from there having an unused optionFor a game-changing option, for a starter in the biggest match of the season – and now under question again after a quiet performance.

That inconsistency matters in the context of his debt. Rivers wants to keep Páez involved and playing regularly, especially with a system in place that could allow Chelsea Reevaluate his situation if his minutes drop too low.

Performances against Boca do not necessarily change long-term plans, but they may influence short-term decisions on selection and usage.

So after an extraordinary performance following a tough Superclásico, the next few weeks could prove crucial in determining whether Páez can secure a stable role – and whether River can maintain control of his loan situation.

Arsenal striker Victor Gyökeres is close to embarking on another payment to Sporting CP after his latest performance in the North London derby.

According to Portuguese newspaper gameThe Swedish international is close to activating a €500,000 (£430,000) bonus clause linked to a goal contribution. Gyöckeres scored twice in Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, further underlining his growing importance.

He now has 18 goal contributions this season – 15 goals and three assists. The agreement between Arsenal and Sporting states that once he reaches 20 goal involvements, Sporting will receive an additional €500,000 (£430,000). Another €500,000 (£430,000) is earmarked for each next block of 20 contributions.

Performance-Based Architecture Explained

Gyöckeres joined Arsenal in the summer of 2025 for €63.5m (£54.6m), including add-ons worth up to €10m (£8.6m). to ball Reference to slightly different figures – €65.7m (£56.5m) and €10.2m (£8.8m) in bonuses – reflects reporting variations in Portugal. Either way, the deal was highly incentive-driven.

Sporting has already benefited from one of those clauses. When Gyáceres completed 20 matches with at least 45 minutes on the field, the Lisbon club received €1.25 million (£1.1 million).

The agreement does not include a sell-on clause, meaning Sporting’s additional profit depends entirely on these performance targets.

From early arsenal check to undisputed starter

Gyöckeres did not get off to a good start in England. Early in the campaign, the British and European press questioned whether he could justify the size of the transfer fee. its adaptation period closely examinedBecause the expectations were immediate.

However, after a slow startHe seems to have finally established himself as an undisputed starter under Mikel Arteta.

In all competitions, Gyöckeres has made 36 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing two assists, while playing 2,344 minutes. In the Premier League alone, he has made 26 appearances and scored 10 goals. He has also contributed in the UEFA Champions League and domestic cup, strengthening his role as Arsenal’s central attacking reference.

His brace against Tottenham had symbolic importance. It came down to a high-intensity derby and showcased pace, improved link-up play and clinical finishing.

For Arsenal, the structured bonus model appears to be increasingly aligning with output. Payments are triggered by tangible production, not intangible milestones. Sporting, meanwhile, has continued to take advantage of Gyökeres’ influence from afar.

With only two more goal contributions needed, the next €500,000 (£430,000) now seems imminent rather than hypothetical.