The Runners in Contention for the 2022 Kentucky Derby

The USA’s biggest horse race and one of the most important events on the global calendar is coming into view. The 2022 edition of the Kentucky Derby is set to go off on Saturday May 7th and, once again, the historic Churchill Downs Course is the venue.

First run in 1875, this is one of the oldest sporting events on the United States’ schedules and one where the entire racing community grinds to a halt. So, who is in contention for the big prize this year?

The Favorites

The race known as the Run for the Roses takes place around one and a quarter miles of the Churchill Downs course in Louisville. Outside of the US, coverage of American horse racing doesn’t enjoy too much interest, but the Kentucky Derby is a clear exception.

For 2022, the markets are already in, and Epicenter is listed as the early favorite. All the new horse racing betting sites agree with the established brands as they place the Steven Asmussen trained runner at the head of the market.

It’s relatively close at the top with Epicenter followed by Taiba, Zandon, Messier and White Abarrio. Those figures are supplied by sportsbooks affiliated with sbo.net and they will be subject to price adjustments in the days leading up to the race.

As those markets change, sbo.net will update their lists and readers can assess the new odds. Based on the numbers, coupled with news on the horse racing world, it’s also possible for those site visitors to get directly involved with the markets.

If a sports betting operator is mentioned, they will be open to accept new customers subject to eligibility. Once a swift and secure sign up process has been completed, there is likely to be an option to take up a new account promotion.

With a range of deposit and withdrawal options on hand, plus efficient customer service, it’s easy to get the account up and running. Once on board as a regular customer, there will be other sports to consider, plus mobile betting and the potential for additional promotions.

It’s a logical website to consider for anyone interested in betting on the Kentucky Derby but just how do you pick a winner?

Outside Chances

A short sprint such as the Kentucky Derby leaves less scope for a shock result, but we have seen some higher-priced horses come home in recent years. Behind those who lead the way at the top of the market, some likely contenders include Charge It, Mo Donegal, Great Escape, Early Voting and My Prankster.

Moving into the realms of the underdog, racegoers may also want to consider Tiz the Bomb, Jack Christopher, Pioneer of Medina, Modern Games and Secret Oath.

There is scope for horses to drop out of that list of entries but let’s now run the rule over those who are most likely to line up at Churchill Downs.

The Verdict

As we’ve seen, Epicenter leads the outright winner market and with very good reason. This Steven Asmussen trained three-year-old is a very strong runner who has three wins from his opening four races behind him.

The only time that Epicenter failed to come home in first place led to a second place finish, so he has not been outside of the top two in his career to date. There will, however, be some serious challenges from within the chasing pack.

The horse with the best record, albeit from a smaller sample size, is Taiba. This impressive Tim Yakteen trained colt is second favorite with most sportsbooks and with very good reason. In 2022, Taiba has enjoyed two outings on the Santa Anita course and has won both times. If he can make the step up in a higher stakes race, this could be the one to watch.

Zandon also has a strong record coming into the 2022 Kentucky Derby. In four previous career outings, the horse trained by Chad C. Brown has yet to finish outside of the top three. Two wins are included in that run but one of Zandon’s defeats came at the hands of Epicenter at the Risen Star on the Fair Grounds track earlier this year.

Based on form and overall career runs, there are several strong contenders to take the crown this year. Epicenter is the favorite for a very good reason but there are some talented horses among the chasing pack and the result of the 2022 Kentucky Derby may not be as clear cut as the markets suggest.