2026 Kentucky Derby predictions, horses, odds, date: Surprising picks by elite horse racing expert

The 2026 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, at Churchill Downs, with post time set for 6:57 p.m. ET. CBS Sports has published early predictions, horse selections, and odds for the prestigious race, known as the Run for the Roses. An elite horse racing expert has offered surprising picks for the annual event.