2026 Kentucky Derby Fantasy Draft!! w/ Chris Fallica, Michelle Yu & Nick Tammaro | Sponsored by KTDF
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In this annual Kentucky Derby Fantasy Draft episode, host Peter Thomas Fornital returns with a star-studded panel including defending champion Michelle Yu, returning guest Nick Tammaro (Churchill Downs morning line maker), and newly promoted Chris Fallica. The show kicks off with lighthearted banter, nostalgia for past drafts, and the unveiling of Michelle Yu’s custom bobblehead — a reward for her three-year winning streak. The draft proceeds in a snake format with Nick picking first, followed by Michelle, Peter, and Chris. Key picks include Nick’s selection of Commandment, Michelle’s Renegade, Chris’s Chief Wallaby and Puma, and strategic late picks like Danan Bourbon and Pavlovian. The panel debates the viability of Japanese horses, Baffert’s Preakness strategy, and the potential for horses like Teptastic and So Happy to rebound. The episode is punctuated by humor, insider insights, and a strong emphasis on the evolving Triple Crown landscape, especially with the Preakness moving to Laurel. The show concludes with a sponsor plug for the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund and a toast to the season’s unpredictability.
The Kentucky Derby Fantasy Draft is a long-running tradition with deep community roots and playful stakes.
Horses like Renegade, Commandment, and Puma are top contenders, but late picks like Danan Bourbon and Pavlovian offer value in a low-risk, high-reward strategy.
Baffert’s potential Preakness-focused strategy with horses like Crude Velocity could reshape the Triple Crown narrative.
Japanese horses are gaining attention, but skepticism remains about their ability to win the Kentucky Derby.
The Preakness moving to Laurel may reduce field size and create strategic opportunities for trainers to bypass the Derby.
Annual Draft Kickoff & Panel Introductions
“I did promise this on last year's show. I actually re-listened last year, and I said that if Michelle were to win for three years in a row... we would get a bobblehead made of her. And there it is for the first time in public, ladies and gentlemen. Very nice.”
First Round Picks & Early Contenders
“I'm going to take Commandment first and hope for a Derby Belmont double. Hard to argue.”
Second Round Strategy & Late-Breaking Picks
Michelle Yu picks Silent Tactic, valuing consistency and points over brilliance. Chris Fallica selects Puma, citing strong connections and a solid prep. Nick Tammaro takes Full Effort and Potente, betting on Baffert’s Preakness focus. The panel discusses the potential of horses like Danan Bourbon and the Japanese influence on the Derby.
Final Rounds & Strategic Gambles
“I'll just take the Doug O'Neill horse. I get it. I get it. Plunk up for a piece. I got, I got a couple of horses there that aren't in the Derby. May as well have a couple that are in there and that last pick in the draft.”
Sponsorship & Closing Remarks
The episode wraps with a sponsorship plug for the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund, highlighting the growth of racing in Kentucky. The hosts thank the panel and audience, with Peter wishing everyone luck in their own fantasy drafts.
“I'll just take the Doug O'Neill horse. I get it. I get it. Plunk up for a piece. I got, I got a couple of horses there that aren't in the Derby. May as well have a couple that are in there and that last pick in the draft.”
“I did promise this on last year's show. I actually re-listened last year, and I said that if Michelle were to win for three years in a row... we would get a bobblehead made of her. And there it is for the first time in public, ladies and gentlemen. Very nice.”
“I don't think the quality of the horses over there is great. I think Derby Day is a completely different animal, no pun intended for these horses.”
Host
Guests
Peter Thomas Fornital
person
Michelle Yu
person
Nick Tammaro
person
Chris Fallica
person
Commandment
other
Renegade
other
Puma
other
Crude Velocity
other
Danan Bourbon
other
So Happy
other
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