Mike Repole, the richest man at the Derby, is still betting on hope Mike Repole arrives at the Kentucky Derby like a man throwing a party he fully expects to ruin for himself. The billionaire, known for his wealth and business acumen, brings an entourage of 76 people to the event, most of whom will enjoy themselves while he shoulders the financial burden. “Seventy-five are going to have a great, great, great time,” he says, pausing to acknowledge the irony of his situation. “And then there’s me. And I also get the bill, so that’s pretty sad. But that’s OK.” This sentiment encapsulates the Kentucky Derby’s unique blend of spectacle and anxiety, a tradition that transforms even the most successful individuals into hopeful participants. Repole, a seasoned Derby attendee, has entered the race 12 times, yet his record remains unremarkable: 0-8, with three heart-breaking scratches of favorites. Two of those favorites, Grade and Forte, were scratched on the morning of the race, while Uncle Mo was withdrawn days earlier. These setbacks, however, are not viewed as failures but as part of the sport’s inherent unpredictability. The Kentucky Derby is not a race in the traditional sense; it is a high-stakes gamble where only one horse out of 20,000 annual births can claim victory. For Repole, the stakes are personal. He has invested his time, money, and belief in the sport, and this year, he is determined to make it work. This year’s Derby entry is his horse Renegade, a late runner with a strategy that relies on chaos. Renegade is not the type to assert dominance early in the race, instead waiting for the field to disintegrate before making a dramatic surge. Repole describes the horse as “last to first,” capable of making up five lengths in an instant.#mike_repole #kentucky_derby #renegade #robert_lowes #lawana_lowes
Kentucky Derby Favorites Face Uncertain Path to Victory The Kentucky Derby, one of horse racing’s most anticipated events, has once again become a complex puzzle for bettors and analysts alike. With a field of 20 horses, the race presents a mix of established contenders and underdogs, each carrying unique challenges and potential. While Renegade, the 4-1 favorite, has emerged as a top contender after winning the Arkansas Derby, questions linger about his ability to navigate the demanding 1 ¼-mile course. Commandment, who narrowly won the Florida Derby, faces scrutiny over the decisions of top jockeys Flavien Prat and Irad Ortiz, who opted for other mounts after his victories. The Puma, despite a strong showing in the Florida Derby, is questioned about his readiness for the longer distance, while Chief Wallabee’s recent addition of blinkers and limited race experience add uncertainty. Further Ado, who dominated the Blue Grass Stakes, is viewed as a potential powerhouse but faces skepticism about his consistency beyond Keeneland’s track. The race’s unpredictability is further amplified by the presence of longshots with intriguing stories. Emerging Market, a 15-1 underdog trained by Chad Brown, has become a focal point for handicappers. Despite entering the Derby with just two career starts, the horse’s recent performance in the Louisiana Derby—where he narrowly defeated a more experienced opponent—has sparked optimism. Brown, known for his patience, described Emerging Market as a “source of frustration” due to delays in his racing debut but emphasized his potential. The horse’s pedigree, including a lineage tied to Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker, suggests he could handle the distance, though his lack of experience remains a critical question mark.#kentucky_derby #renegade #commandment #flavien_prat #irad_ortiz
Latest Kentucky Derby Odds After Silent Tactic Scratch The Kentucky Derby field for the 152nd running of the race has been finalized following the withdrawal of Silent Tactic, with Renegade and Further Ado emerging as the top favorites. Updated odds for Saturday’s race, set to begin at 6:57 p.m. at Churchill Downs, were released on April 29, 2026, as advance wagering opened for the event. The changes came after Silent Tactic was scratched from the race, allowing Great White to enter from the also-eligible list and secure the No. 20 post position. Renegade, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., is the current 5-1 favorite. The horse, a son of Into Mischief, won the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby on March 28 at Oaklawn Park. Further Ado, also at 5-1 odds, is another standout, having captured the Grade 1 Blue Grass on April 4 at Keeneland. The horse’s jockey is John Velazquez, and its trainer is Riley Mott. Great White, already in the field at 62-1 odds, is making its Kentucky Derby debut. The horse, trained by John Ennis and ridden by Alex Achard, finished fifth in the Grade 1 Blue Grass on April 4. Its entry into the race follows the withdrawal of Silent Tactic, which was scratched without additional details provided in the source. Silent Tactic, trained by Mark Casse and ridden by Cristian Torres, had finished second in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby on March 28. The also-eligible list includes three other horses—Ocelli, Robusta, and Corona de Oro—who could potentially join the field if additional scratches occur before Friday’s 9 a.m. deadline. Ocelli, at 99-1 odds, finished third in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial on April 4, while Robusta, also at 99-1, placed seventh in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby. Corona de Oro, also at 99-1, came third in the Grade 3 Lexington on April 11.#kentucky_derby #silent_tactic #renegade #further_ado #great_white
Pletcher, Brown Regroup After Losing Derby Favorite Todd Pletcher and Chad Brown, two of the most successful trainers in horse racing, are navigating the challenges of losing their top Kentucky Derby contenders while preparing for the 152nd edition of the Run for the Roses. Both trainers faced setbacks as their leading 3-year-olds—Ted Noffey for Pletcher and Paladin for Brown—were sidelined due to injuries, forcing them to rely on other horses in their stables. Despite the disappointments, both remain confident in their ability to field competitive entries for the $5 million race. Pletcher’s undefeated 2-year-old champion, Ted Noffey, was the early favorite for the Derby but was removed from training in late January due to bone bruising. The son of Into Mischief had already made a strong case for victory by winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and earning the title of 2-year-old champion male. However, the injury dashed hopes of a Triple Crown bid, leaving Pletcher to focus on his remaining contenders. The trainer’s response emphasized the unpredictable nature of the sport and the need for resilience. “We’ve been blessed with some good opportunities,” Pletcher said. “We haven’t gotten there with some horses that we were hoping we would, but we’re just trying to focus on the one who remains on target.” Pletcher’s replacement in the Derby is Renegade, a horse trained for Spendthrift Farm. Renegade earned his role as the 4-1 morning-line favorite through a 4-length win in the Arkansas Derby (G1). However, the horse faces challenges, including a rail position that could complicate his path to victory. Pletcher highlighted Renegade’s closing speed as his key asset, noting his strong finishes in the final eighth of the Arkansas Derby and the final sixteenth of the Sam Davis Stakes.#todd_pletcher #chad_brown #kentucky_derby #spendthrift_farm #emerging_market
