Legendary trainer Bob Baffert, who has won the Kentucky Derby six times and trained the last two Triple Crown winners, has two longshot entries—Potente and Litmus Test—in the 2026 Kentucky Derby on May 2 at Churchill Downs. Renegade is the current favorite at 4-1, followed by Further Ado and Commandment at 6-1. Despite Baffert’s horses being longshots, his proven pedigree as a trainer could provide an edge in this competitive field. Expert racing analyst Michelle Yu, known for her accurate past predictions, is sharing her 2026 Kentucky Derby betting picks and insights, advising caution on some favorites like Commandment due to concerns about stamina and jockey performance.

Yu is notably high on The Puma, trained by Gustavo Delgado and ridden by Javier Castellano, who previously won the Derby in 2023. She praises The Puma’s consistency and strong connections, suggesting this horse is a strong contender despite longer odds. Yu’s top pick is a horse suited for longer distances, and she also highlights a longshot with promising connections as a must-back. Her detailed analysis and betting strategies are available on SportsLine, where she provides expert guidance for making informed wagers in this wide-open Derby.