Jody Demling releases betting picks for 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs
Analysis of the Grade 1 race for three-year-old fillies highlights statistical reservations regarding key contenders despite their impressive career records
On 1 May 2026, SportsLine expert Jody Demling released his betting predictions for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks, a Grade 1 event scheduled for Friday at Churchill Downs. Demling, who has successfully predicted the Kentucky Oaks-Derby double 12 times in the last 17 years, identified Zany as the 4-1 favourite for the race. The expert's assessment comes ahead of a field of 14 horses set to post at 8:40 p.m. ET, with the analysis focusing on specific performance metrics rather than general market sentiment.
Other notable contenders listed in the odds include Meaning at 5-1, and Explora and Percy's Bar both at 6-1. Further down the board, Counting Stars and Prom Queen are priced at 8-1, while Always a Runner sits at 10-1. Despite the broad range of options, Demling's commentary suggests a divergence between traditional career accolades and current form indicators, particularly regarding the speed ratings of several top contenders.
Demling specifically highlighted Prom Queen, trained by Brad H. Cox, as a strong contender at 8-1 odds. The analysis cites the filly's consistent finishing positions, noting she has never finished lower than second in her three career starts. Her recent winning time of 1:44.4 in the 2026 Gulfstream Park Oaks was cited as a key performance metric supporting her inclusion in the top tier of selections.
In contrast, Demling expressed reservations regarding Percy's Bar, despite the horse's impressive career record of three wins, two seconds, and one third in six starts. The expert noted that the horse has won four Grade 1 races, a statistic that exceeds most Kentucky Oaks participants. However, the assessment flagged a low speed rating of 97 from the horse's only race in 2026, describing it as among the lowest of all Kentucky Oaks participants.
Demling also indicated confidence in a double-digit longshot whose trainer is described as super confident. While the expert expressed optimism about this sleeper pick, the specific name of the horse was not disclosed in the provided analysis. This approach underscores the institutional focus on trainer confidence levels as a variable in the betting model, even when the horse itself remains unnamed in public reports.
The release of these picks coincides with the broader betting landscape for the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, which is scheduled for the following day. Demling has previously demonstrated an ability to predict the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby in the correct order, contributing to a significant superfecta payout. This track record of accuracy informs the current institutional framing of the 2026 Oaks predictions.
