Expert Who Nailed 12 Derby-Oaks Doubles Reveals 2026 Kentucky Derby Picks

Jody Demling shares his top 2026 Kentucky Derby predictions, including a surprising take on the favorite Paladin.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The 152nd Kentucky Derby is just weeks away, and the field is starting to take shape. Among the early favorites are Paladin (9-1), Nearly (10-1), Canaletto (15-1), and Renegade (16-1). However, expert handicapper Jody Demling, who has an impressive track record of accurately predicting Kentucky Derby and Oaks winners, is not high on the favorite Paladin. Demling sees better value elsewhere, including the longshot Canaletto, who he believes has the "looks of a superstar in the making." Demling is also high on a massive double-digit longshot that he believes could be the best of a "barnful of standouts." Fans can check out Demling's full 2026 Kentucky Derby predictions and betting advice at SportsLine.

Why it matters

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious and widely-watched horse races in the world, drawing massive interest and betting action. Demling's track record of accurately predicting Derby and Oaks winners makes his 2026 picks especially noteworthy, as bettors look to get an edge in the Run for the Roses.

The details

Demling is not high on the early favorite Paladin, despite the horse's 9-1 odds. The main reason is Paladin's pedigree - his sire Gun Runner had limited success at the Derby distance of 1 1/4 miles. Additionally, Paladin's trainer Chad Brown has struggled at the Kentucky Derby, going 0-for-9. Demling sees better options elsewhere, including the longshot Canaletto at 15-1. Canaletto impressed Demling with his dominant maiden win at Gulfstream Park, and Demling loves his breeding as a half-brother to Sandman and son of Into Mischief. Demling is also high on a massive double-digit longshot that he believes could be the best of a "barnful of standouts," though he's not revealing that horse's identity publicly.

  • The 152nd Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

The players

Paladin

A 9-1 early favorite for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, Paladin is the son of Gun Runner, who had limited success at the Derby distance.

Canaletto

A 15-1 longshot for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, Canaletto impressed Demling with his dominant maiden win at Gulfstream Park and has a promising pedigree as a half-brother to Sandman and son of Into Mischief.

Jody Demling

A prominent horse racing expert who has correctly predicted the Kentucky Oaks-Derby double 12 times in the last 17 years, and accurately called the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby in the correct order.

Chad Brown

A highly successful racehorse trainer who has yet to win the Kentucky Derby, going 0-for-9 in the race.

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What they’re saying

“Paladin has talent, but Demling sees better Kentucky Derby options available elsewhere.”

— Jody Demling, Horse Racing Expert (SportsLine)

“Canaletto has the looks of a superstar in the making.”

— Jody Demling, Horse Racing Expert (SportsLine)

What’s next

Demling is set to reveal his full 2026 Kentucky Derby predictions, including his top pick for the race, exclusively on SportsLine. Bettors can check out his picks and analysis to get an edge ahead of the Run for the Roses.

The takeaway

With his impressive track record of accurately predicting Kentucky Derby and Oaks winners, Jody Demling's 2026 Kentucky Derby picks are must-read information for any serious horse racing fan or bettor. His contrarian views on the early favorites, as well as his high opinion of longshot Canaletto, provide valuable insights that could lead to big payouts for savvy bettors.