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

The 2026 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, at Churchill Downs, with a post time of 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.