The Eddie Olczyk Kentucky Derby picks for 2026 have been revealed, with the former NHL player and now respected NBC handicapper-sharing his “must-use” horses for Saturday’s 152nd renewal of the ‘Run For The Roses’.
Olczyk names his main selection, along with his next best picks – which make up his overall Churchill Downs 1-2-3.
You can catch his full, in-depth thoughts on the 2026 Kentucky Derby below.
Eddie Olczyk Kentucky Derby Picks 2026:“All My Derby Tickets Will Be Based Around Number 1”
Spoiler alert.
When the Eddie Olczyk Kentucky Derby picks were first revealed, the respected NBC handicapper actually fancied TWO horses that have since been SCRATCHED.
With number 20 Fulleffort and 13 Silent Tactic his original fancies.
Meaning Eddie – in his own words – has “Been in a scramble” since.
However, after reassessing the remaining Kentucky Derby runners, Olczyk has landed on three fancies.
Saying that all his Saturday picks will revolve around number 1 – RENEGADE – despite having gate 1, that hasn’t seen a winner since 1986.
Eddie Olczky said – “I think you have to have number one (Renegade), who was hugely impressive in winning the Arkansas Derby back in March.”
“He won going away and I think will get every bit of the mile and a quarter of the Derby.”
“All my tickets will be based around number 1 (Renegade), even though it’s been forever since we’ve had a winner from post position 1.
“But I think his style will allow him to sit mid-pack and then make a big run as he has an explosive turn-or-foot.”
WATCH: Renegade Winning The Arkansas Derby in 2026
Eddie Olczyk’s Main Kentucky Derby Pick: “I’m Going With a Horse That’s Only Run Two Times”
In addition to Renegade, the main Eddie Olczyk Kentucky Derby pick is drawn wider, but is one of the least experienced runners in the field.
Step forward – number 15, EMERGING MARKET.
“I’m gunna go with a horse that’s only run two times and that’s number 15. Emerging Market for trainer Chad Brown and jockey Flavien Prat.”
“He won the Louisiana Derby – who many feel wasn’t a strong race. But I think the way Chad Brown talks about the horse is a plus.”
“It was an eventful race – running wide – and probably ran a legit mile and a quarter.”
“So, in a wide-open field, where you are gunna have horses between 4/1 and 8/1 – I’m going to take a horse that I feel is on the up. Which is what Emerging Market is.”
Another plus for Emerging Market is the Kentucky Derby trends – which tell us post position 15 has done well in recent years.
WATCH: Emerging Market and Golden Tempo Running In The 2026 Louisiana Derby
Keep Number 19 Golden Tempo On Side Too
The final Eddie Olczyk Derby pick is the Cherie DeVaux-trained GOLDEN TEMPO, who is number 19.
He also ran in the Louisiana Derby, when third, to Olczyk’s main selection Emerging Market (watch below).
“The other horse to use came in the same race as Emerging Market (Louisiana Derby).”
“Number 19, Golden Tempo for Cherie De Vaux and Jose L Ortiz. Who is the brother of Irad Ortiz Jr (Renegade).”
“Meaning everything for me will revolve around numbers 15-1-19.”
“You Could Pick Six Horses And Only Hit The Board With One, Says Olczyk”
However, Eddie Olczyk went onto suggest the 152nd Kentucky Derby will be a super-tough renewal in 2026.
“But I think you could pick 5 or 6 horses and still only hit the board with one. Cause I really believe it’s a wide-open race.”
“Which is why I’m taking a shot at number 15 (Emerging Market) to win.”
Eddie Olczyk Kentucky Derby Picks 2026
- 🥇(15) – EMERGING MARKET
- 🥈(1) – RENEGADE
- 🥉(19) – GOLDEN TEMPO
When Is The Kentucky Derby (Start Time & Date)?
📅 Date: Saturday, 2nd May 2026
⌚ Time: 11:57pm UK – 6:57pm ET
🏇 Racecourse: Churchill Downs
🔄 Trip: 1m2f
💷 Winner: £2,222,220 (Kentucky Derby Purse)
📺 TV: Sky Sports Racing / NBC / Peacock
See how the Eddie Olczyk picks compare with Andy Newton’s Kentucky Derby tips and 1-2-3 best bets based on the stats.
WATCH – REKAP®: Previewing the 152nd Kentucky Derby with Eddie Olczyk!
Who Is Eddie Olczyk – The NBC Horse Racing Handicapper?
Plenty of racing fans will already have their own views on Saturday’s 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
As this new crop of three-year-olds begins the journey toward Triple Crown glory in the US.
Still, whether seasoned punters or casual followers, many will be keen to hear from top racing voices-and NBC’s Eddie Olczyk is firmly among them.
Some will remember Olczyk from his 16-season NHL career, where he suited up for six teams, including the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
He even returned to Pittsburgh as head coach in 2003.
Eddie Olczyk Kentucky Derby Picks 2026
After stepping away from hockey, Olczyk moved into broadcasting with NBC, covering the NHL.
That role soon opened the door for him to bring his passion for horse racing to the screen, with the network bringing him on as an analyst and handicapper.
Since then, he’s become a regular voice across the biggest US races-covering the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Breeders’ Cup, and Preakness Stakes for NBC.
His opinions, both weekly and on the sport’s biggest stages, are followed by thousands-so his 2026 Derby picks are well worth a look.
