Churchill Downs racetrack. Getty Images

The 2026 Kentucky Derby will go off at 6:57 p.m. ET, but there’s a full day of racing at Churchill Downs ahead of the Run for the Roses.

The first race on the card goes off at 11 a.m. sharp, and the first stakes race is the fourth contest on the card, which will go off at 12:38 p.m. ET.

We’ve highlighted a handful of races in the lead-up to the Derby to help pad your bankroll before the main event.

2026 Kentucky Derby undercard picks

Race 5 (1:12 p.m. ET): Twin Spires Turf Sprint

We’ll kick things off with a doozy on the turf.

No. 3 My Boy Prince (5-2) figures to be a chalky favorite, but the top of this board features a few other contenders, including No.…