Top 5 Contenders in the Kentucky Derby 2022

The Kentucky Derby is almost here and will be held on May 7, 2022. Of course, the Derby will always take place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. However, this year’s Derby should be fascinating because it marks the return of spectators.

After over two years of being held without spectators due to the pandemic, the Derby is finally welcoming back everyone without restrictions on Saturday. As a result, we can expect about 150,000 people to attend the event.

If you’re looking to bet on this year’s Derby, here are the top five contenders to look out for.

Mo Donegal

Mo Donegal lost the position draw. He’s positioned at number one, getting the dreaded rail. This talented son of Uncle Mo is one of the three entries for Todd Pletcher and was last seen on March 9 in the Wood Memorial.

Mo Donegal won that race by just a neck, cementing his place in the Kentucky Derby. The horse’s odds are 10-1 and could give Donegal Racing (owners) an opportunity for their Derby win.

The horse’s running style is closer, which means the horse likes to race near the lead. And that’s often a recipe for disaster in a 20-horse field like the Kentucky Derby. One of the big reasons is that there are so many horses in the race. So if you’re not careful, it’s easy to get boxed in or pushed wide around turns.

The other reason is that the Derby is run at a mile and a quarter. That’s a long way, and often, horses race on or near the lead tire in the stretch. So while Mo Donegal has talent, he’ll need to overcome some obstacles if he wants to win the Kentucky Derby.

Epicenter

One of the top contenders for the 2022 kentucky derby is Epicenter. According to the morning lines, Epicenter is one of the favorites, and that’s not surprising given his impressive resume in the field.

The horse comes off a back-to-back Grade II win, including the last in the Louisiana Derby. That race has almost the same distance as the Kentucky Derby. Nevertheless, trainer Steve Asmussen believes in the horse’s abilities, saying that he has “unlimited potential.”

Epicenter is positioned at post number three and has 7-2 odds. It’s exciting to see what this horse can do in the Derby. So far, he’s shown a lot of promise and is one to watch out for.

Zandon

Zandon is the co-favorite for the 148th Run for the Roses. He’s heading to the Derby off a win in the Blue Grass Stakes, earning a career-best Equibase speed figure of 107.

The horse is a surprise to be in the Derby field as the names above him on the morning line have been Derby contenders for months. Zandon was given little chance to make the field when he entered the Blue Grass, but he ran a terrific race to finish first.

There’ll be a tight race between the top three-morning line choices. But if the Zandon can run anywhere close to his Blue Grass effort, he’ll be a serious contender come Saturday afternoon.

Messier

The son of Empire Maker, Messier is another horse to watch out for in the Kentucky Derby this May 7. Named after Mark Messier (NHL legend), the horse will attempt to deliver the same way his namesake did back then. The horse is owned by a syndicate of enthusiasts, one of which has a connection to Mark Messier himself.

The horse drew post position number six and had an 8-1 odds. Messier is the number three betting choice, coming behind Epicenter. With pedigree, running style, and speed, the colt is set to win the Derby this year.

While he may not be the favorite, don’t count Messier out just yet. This horse has plenty of potential. So, be sure to keep an eye on him on May 7. Who knows, he might be the one to take home the roses this year.

White Abarrio

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. hopes to make his first Kentucky Derby a winning one with White Abarrio. The horse is coming off with a solid win in the Florida Derby, earning 10-1 odds.

White Abarrio will be up against some stiff competition, including the likes of Epicenter. But Joseph is confident in his horse’s abilities, which his impressive racing resume can prove. White Abarrio has won four of his five starts.

As you can see, White Abarrio has what it takes to win the Kentucky Derby. He’s got the talent and the experience. So be sure to keep an eye on him on Saturday, May 7.

Takeaway

The Kentucky Derby is the most exciting two minutes in sports, and this year’s race will be even better with the return of spectators. Over 150,000 people are expected to attend the event, so that it will be a great spect