2026 Kentucky Derby horses, odds, predictions, posts: Expert who called 12 Derby-Oaks Doubles makes picks

May 2, 2026 - 10:17

Jody Demling, a horse racing analyst who correctly predicted the superfecta at the 2025 Kentucky Derby for a payout of nearly $1,700, has released his early selections for the 2026 Run for the Roses. Demling is known for his track record in the Derby-Oaks Double, having called the winners of both races twelve times in his career.

The 2026 Kentucky Derby field is still taking shape, with several three-year-olds emerging as contenders through the prep season. Demling's analysis focuses on pace scenarios and pedigree, two factors he says often separate the contenders from the pretenders in a 20-horse field. He has identified a handful of colts with the stamina to handle the mile and a quarter distance at Churchill Downs.

Among the early favorites, Demling cautions against backing the morning-line favorite without careful scrutiny of their final prep race. He notes that post position plays a critical role, especially for horses drawn inside post 10. His recommended win bet is a longshot who has shown steady improvement in speed figures and has a sire known for producing classic winners.

Demling also provides exacta and trifecta boxes for bettors looking to maximize value. He advises against including all favorites in multi-horse wagers, pointing out that the Derby often produces a surprise in the top four. His full list of selections includes a horse he calls the "wise guy" play, a colt who could hit the board at double-digit odds if the pace collapses.