The 2026 Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, May 2, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, marking the 152nd edition of the race. This year’s race includes a full field, but a late scratch has already changed the lineup just days before post time.
How Fulleffort Scratch Impacts Kentucky Derby Field
Trainer Brad Cox’s lineup changed shortly before the race when Fulleffort was scratched due to a chip in his left hind ankle, according to The Thoroughbred Daily News. The gray colt had been listed at 20-1 on the morning line and was expected to start from post No. 19.
Fulleffort entered the Derby following a strong stretch of performances, including a 2 1/2-length victory in the Jeff Ruby Steaks. He had also finished in the top three in six consecutive starts and earned 110 qualifying points. Earlier in the week, Cox said, “He’s moving forward at the right time,” after a training session at Churchill Downs.
Fulleffort became the second horse to withdraw from the race, following Silent Tactic, who was scratched earlier with a foot issue. Cox is still expected to run Commandment and Further Ado, both considered contenders.
With Fulleffort out, Ocelli has moved into the field from the also-eligible list. Trained by Whit Beckman and ridden by Joseph Ramos, Ocelli brings an unusual record into the Derby. The colt is still a maiden, with no wins in six starts.
Ocelli most recently finished third in the Wood Memorial and has accumulated 25 qualifying points. A victory would mark the first time since 1933 that a horse without a prior win captured the Kentucky Derby.
While Ocelli has shown the ability to close late in races, his speed figures suggest he faces a significant challenge against this year’s field.
The 2026 Field Lacks a Clear Favorite
The 2026 Kentucky Derby features a competitive and balanced field of 20 horses, with no clear favorite emerging ahead of the race.
Renegade, winner of the Arkansas Derby, is listed as the 4-1 morning-line favorite. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Renegade will start from post No. 1, a position that has not produced a Derby winner since 1986.
Commandment and Further Ado, both trained by Cox, are also among the leading contenders at 6-1 odds. Commandment enters on a four-race winning streak, while Further Ado posted an 11-length victory in the Blue Grass Stakes.
Trainer Bill Mott returns with Chief Wallabee, listed at 8-1, after winning last year’s Derby. Mott will also face competition from his son, Riley Mott, who trains longshots Incredibolt and Albus.
The race also includes international entries, with horses from Japan and the United Arab Emirates competing. However, runners from those regions have yet to win the Kentucky Derby.
One of the more emotional storylines involves So Happy, trained by Mark Glatt. After the colt’s Santa Anita Derby win, Glatt said, “[Dena] got that horse there today,” referencing his late wife.
How to Watch the 2026 Kentucky Derby
The 2026 Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 2, with a scheduled post time of 6:57 p.m. ET. The race will be broadcast on NBC and available for streaming on FuboTV.
Kentucky Derby Field Changes Ahead of Race as Late Scratch Shifts Competition