David Aragona
TAJ MAHAL is not the kind of horse I would typically endorse since he’s unproven at the class level and might need to negotiate a different trip from those that have worked recently. Yet I just can’t shake the feeling that this horse is the real deal. It’s not as if he’ll need to progress much from his recent Federico Tesio romp to win a Preakness that is sorely lacking in star power.
Belmont at the Big A | Race 4 | Post Time 2:40 p.m. (ET)
I acknowledge that Sadie Earp (#1) could be dangerous returning from a layoff for Wesley Ward. She showed some promise during her 2-year-old season before just failing to see out the distance when they stretched her out last time. If she builds on that early form, she's a major player in this field. However, she does have to improve significantly coming off this layoff, and she's probably going to get bet as if that's a given primarily due to her conditioner.
The long and short of it is this: Last Saturday was all about the classic distance, 1 1/4 miles on dirt, and this Saturday belongs to turf sprinters.
Senorita
A computer now generates the Santa Anita morning line, albeit with human input tweaking the margins. Sorry, computer – you goofed in the Senorita. No way Mo’ Em Down comes up as short as the 5-2 second choice as the line forecasts.
Kentucky Derby picks and analysis from Daily Racing Form handicappers across the United States.
2026 Kentucky Derby (Race 12)
Distance: 1 1/4 miles
Track: Belmont Park
Post time: 6:57 p.m. Eastern
TV: NBC
David Aragona
1. Commandment
2. Renegade
3. So Happy
4. Wonder Dean
One of the most challenging decisions you’ll have to make before the Kentucky Derby is which wagers to play. There are many different ways to bet the Kentucky Derby, so here are a few suggested wagers for a $100 bankroll.
$24 to win on No. 6 Commandment
TIZ ALLURING
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: April 24, 3rd
Finish: 3rd by 2 3/4
Beyer: 69
Debut filly was jostled and lost position at start of turf sprint, trailed field, rallied along rail on turn, angled outside for stretch, finished well and galloped out willingly. Promising debut by Kantharos filly.
