Kentucky Derby Context: Renegade

A smashing four-length winner of the Arkansas Derby (G1), Renegade is widely projected to be favored in the Kentucky Derby (G1). The bay colt brings a formidable finishing kick, registering whopping triple-digit Brisnet Late Pace ratings for both outings this year, including a convincing triumph in Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Downs in early February. Since finishing second in the Remsen (G2) in early December, Renegade appears much improved at age three, and his numbers suggest another forward move at Churchill Downs. He will need to work out a trip from off the pace, but Renegade rates as the horse to beat in the 2026 Run for the Roses.

OWNER: Robert and Lawana Low and Repole Stable (Mike Repole) campaign Renegade. The Lows retained an interest after selling at auction to Repole, and Renegade will be their third starter as owners, with Steppenwolfer finishing third in 2006 and Magnum Moon 19th in 2018. Repole has had seven runners in the Kentucky Derby, Mo Donegal’s fifth in 2022 the best result, and he has had a pair of expected favorites, Forte (2023) and Uncle Mo (2011), withdrawn in the days leading up to the race. Mo Donegal gave Repole his first Triple Crown race winner when capturing the Belmont (G1).

TRAINER: A two-time winner, sending out Super Saver in 2010 and Always Dreaming in 2017, Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher has had a record 65 starters in the Kentucky Derby. His first appearance came in 2000, sending four horses postward, including third-placer Impeachment, and the Texas native has finished second with Invisible Ink (2001) and Bluegrass Cat (2006). Pletcher will be back in the 2026 Kentucky Derby after a one-year absence, missing only two editions since 2000, and he’s sent out multiple runners 20 times. Pletcher also owns four Belmont wins: Rags to Riches (2007), Palace Malice (2013), Tapwrit (2017), and Mo Donegal (2022).

JOCKEY: A five-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey, Irad Ortiz Jr., will seek an elusive Kentucky Derby win in his 10th attempt this year. A fourth on Improbable in 2019 is his best result so far. Creator, winner of the 2012 Belmont, provided Ortiz Jr. with his first Triple Crown race win, and he picked up a second Belmont victory with Mo Donegal, who finished fifth in the Kentucky Derby. Ortiz Jr. established a new single-season North American earnings record in 2025, with his mounts accumulating more than $40 million, and he selected Renegade over a strong group of Kentucky Derby prep winners, guiding Commandment in the Fountain of Youth (G2), Fulleffort in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), and Further Ado in the Blue Grass (G1).

BREEDER: Bred in Kentucky by Robert and Lawana Low, Renegade sold for $950,000 as a yearling at the 2024 Keeneland September sale. After making their first appearance as breeders last year, with Citizen Bull finishing 15th, the Lows will be represented by their second consecutive Kentucky Derby starter.

SIRE: Renegade is from the 14th crop of seven-time reigning leading sire Into Mischief, who achieved a record-tying third Kentucky Derby win as sire last year with Sovereignty, who came back to win the Belmont after skipping the Preakness (G1). Into Mischief also produced back-to-back winners, Authentic and Mandaloun (2020-21). North America’s most influential sire, Into Mischief’s offspring earned more than $31.8 million in 2025, and he’s a son of Harlan’s Holiday. Into Mischief will also be represented by Commandment and Potente this year.

DAM: Renegade is the first foal to race out of the Grade 3-winning Spice Is Nice, who is by Curlin out of the Grade 1-winning Dame Dorothy. Dame Dorothy is by Bernardini, who is the broodmare sire of 2025 Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty. Two-time Horse of the Year Curlin finished third in the 2007 Kentucky Derby, first in the Preakness, and second in the Belmont. His offspring include a pair of Preakness winners, Journalism (2025) and Exaggerator (2016), who both finished second in the Kentucky Derby, and 2013 Belmont winner Palace Malice. Curlin still looks to make an impact on Triple Crown races as a broodmare sire.