It’s called “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” And this Saturday at Churchill Downs, the 152nd Kentucky Derby takes center stage at the venue known for its iconic Twin Spires. This Derby features one of the most balanced fields in recent years. I think at least seven horses out of the fi eld of 20 can win this race. After all, it’s like a cavalry charge. Positioning is so important. A horse needs tactical speed to get to the finish line first. He also needs some racing luck. #1: Renegade Renegade is the morning line favorite. He might not be the post-time favorite. His victory in the 2026 Arkansas Derby was done in spectacular come-from-behind fashion. But he faced a weak field, and he drew the rail for Saturday’s race. No horse has won from Post 1 since Ferdinand in 1986. Renegade is co-owned by Mike Repole, the billionaire and avid St. John’s University booster. He, along with Rick Pitino, has turned the basketball program around in Queens. Getting a horse to win the Kentucky Derby might be an even greater challenge. The Into Mischief colt has all the right connections with Todd Pletcher and Irad Ortiz Jr. #6: Commandment You must respect #6 Commandment, trained by Brad Cox. The Florida Derby winner also won the Fountain of Youth – and has four victories in five career starts.   #12: Chief Wallace Chief Wallabee is dangerous at 9-1. He was third in the Grade 1, Florida Derby, and has the same trainer/rider duo that won this race a year ago. Bill Mott and Junior Alvarado were the dynamic duo that propelled Sovereignty to 2025 Horse of the Year honors. #18: Further Ado #18 Further Ado is further along than I thought. The Gun Runner colt turned in a mind-boggling 11- length triumph in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. Hall of Famer John Velazquez has the mount for trainer, Brad Cox. #8: So Happy So Happy will likely make his fans just that with a victory in this epic mile and a quarter race. He won the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby and will be the sentimental favorite. Trainer Mark Glatt recently lost his wife, Dena, to heart failure in February. His jockey is 59-year-old, Mike Smith, who looks to become the oldest pilot ever to win the Run for the Roses. #9: The Puma The Puma is also a horse to consider. The chestnut colt was second in the Florida Derby to Commandment. He captured the Tampa Bay Derby and possesses tactical speed, which you need to take this race. #15: Emerging Market Don’t skip over the credentials of Emerging Market, who is rapidly emerging as a contender. The lightly raced thoroughbred, trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Flavien Pratt – is undefeated in two starts, including the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby. The last horse to win the Kentucky Derby with such few starts was Leonatus in 1883. And the pick is … So get ready for the greatest weekend of the year in Thoroughbred Racing. The spectacular hats will be displayed everywhere. The mint juleps will be quenched en masse. And the finest three-year-old horses in the world will be on display. The Kentucky Derby is not just a race. It’s an extravaganza. It’s a party. Louisville is ready to welcome high society, and the casual fan, too. I pick Renegade to win the Kentucky Derby at likely odds of 9-2. And I think Commandment, Emerging Market and Chief Wallabee all have a shot. Oh, by the way, Zany is my selection on Friday in the Kentucky Oaks. And I have a feeling the exacta will include Zany and Always A Runner. ...read more read less