Kentucky Derby 2026 Picks: Chief Wallabee, Prom Queen for the Oaks

The 2026 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks are this Friday and Saturday at Churchill Downs. Here's where I'm landing this week.

The weather will pass out of the Louisville area by Wednesday, and it should be seasonably sunny and warm both days. - This week is chock full of action under the Twin Spires, and the party really kicks into high gear on Thursday and rolls all the way to the Run for the Roses Saturday afternoon.

Kentucky Oaks

Race #13 - 9f main track - 8:40 pm ET

There should be plenty of early pace for a field of 14 fillies.

#10 - Prom Queen = Lightly raced gal from the Brad Cox barn rolling out of an impressive victory in the G2 Gulfstream Park Oaks. She sports a quick turn of foot and the stamina to finish the deal. I'm looking for a mid-flight trip where she will be poised to pounce and relish the distance. - Use in exotics with #2 - Zany and #9 - Always a Runner.

Kentucky Derby

Race #12 - 1 1/4 on the main track - 6:57 pm ET

#12 - Chief Wallabee = Son of Constitution for the Bill Mott barn adds Blinkers for this race. His effort in the Florida Derby was solid and looked like he finished with gas in the tank. He is lightly raced and only has three starts to his credit and has been ITM for all of those. Should be mid-pack and poised to make the long road to the wire. He didn't race as a two-yr-old but has been the wise guy runner talked about this week. Mott wins 20% with the equipment change and has looked better off each race. Junior Alvarado has the call and has been aboard all three of his outings. For some, the Florida Derby looked to come up a tad empty at the wire, but the race honest and should be to his liking. Use with - #6 - Commandment, #8 - So Happy, and #19 - Golden Tempo.

The cards are chock-full of graded action both days. My picks above are the marquee races; for the comprehensive view on the rest of the undercard, download your WinningPonies E-Z Win® Forms for Friday's Kentucky Oaks card and Saturday's Kentucky Derby card - they bring a clear-cut view on how every race will take shape.

Best of luck - Ed.