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HORSE RACING
Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Derby AI prediction simulation: Winner, results for 2026 race

Portrait of Mark Giannotto Mark Giannotto
USA TODAY
May 1, 2026Updated May 2, 2026, 8:31 a.m. ET

Editor's note: Follow coverage of the 2026 Kentucky Derby throughout the day.

There's one horse artificial intelligence appears to be bullish on ahead of the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

Further Ado has maintained consistent morning line odds leading into the 152nd Run for the Roses on Saturday, May 2, lingering close to the rest of the top contenders but never quite the favorite going into race day at Churchill Downs. But AI believes he's the horse to beat.

USA TODAY Sports asked Microsoft Copilot's AI chatbot to produce a simulation of the 2026 Kentucky Derby field with full results, including the winner of this year's first Triple Crown race. It was told to use the latest odds and conditions, as well as analysis of favorites, best bets, expert picks, previous results and race history with the post positions for all 20 horses set. Just like earlier this week, Microsoft Copilot picked Further Ado to win.

The AI technology did, however, have a different order of finish in this simulation, though there weren't any huge surprises among the top horses based on the current odds for the wide-open field at this year's Kentucky Derby.

Here's a breakdown of the Kentucky Derby predictions made by Microsoft Copilot AI, including its picks to win, show and place when the 2026 Triple Crown commences at Churchill Downs on Saturday:

2026 Kentucky Derby predictions: AI picks winner, results of Triple Crown race

Odds as of 9:40 a.m. ET on Friday, May 1, according to KentuckyDerby.com

  1. Further Ado (7-1)
  2. Chief Wallabee (9-1)
  3. The Puma (8-1)
  4. Renegade (5-1)
  5. Commandment (7-1)
  6. So Happy (6-1)
  7. Emerging Market (11-1)
  8. Danon Bourbon (14-1)
  9. Potente (23-1)
  10. Incredibolt (27-1)
  11. Robusta (50-1)
  12. Ocelli (50-1)
  13. Golden Tempo (36-1)
  14. Pavlovian (52-1)
  15. Great White (29-1)
  16. Wonder Dean (20-1)
  17. Litmus Test (34-1)
  18. Albus (50-1)
  19. Six Speed (40-1)
  20. Intrepido (55-1)

When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby?

The 2026 Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 2, with broadcast coverage from Churchill Downs beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET. Post time for the Triple Crown race is scheduled for 6:57 p.m. ET.

Watch the Kentucky Derby with Peacock

Kentucky Derby 2026: TV, streaming and where to watch

The 152nd Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026. The Kentucky Derby will be broadcast on NBC. Streaming options will be available on Peacock.

  • Location: Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)
  • Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
  • Coverage starts: 2:30 p.m. ET
  • Post Time: 6:57 p.m. ET
  • TV: NBC
  • Stream: Peacock

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