- Which horse will win? It's anybody's guess...
With one of the biggest events of the year, the Kentucky Derby, being less than two months away, horses are on their final stretch before running on the main event. After a very controversial qualifying year where we’ve seen everything from disqualification of Medina Spirit to some surprises in the points table, it is time to focus on the main event.
As the big day approaches, the situation on the point table for horses that have a chance to participate in the Kentucky Derby starts to get clearer. With that said, there are still a couple of more prep races, but some of the horses already reserved a spot in the most prestigious race.
Let’s highlight some of the Kentucky Derby contenders and points leaders that will be running in the 2022 race.
Epicenter
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
With having one of the biggest names and leading all-time trainer of winners in North America Steve Asmussen, you can expect nothing than perfection from Epicenter.
Epicenter finished 1st in 3 out of 4 appearances and is one of the leading contenders for the Kentucky Derby.
Un Ojo
Trainer: Anthony W. Dutrow
Here we have another horse that is at the top of the leaderboard with one first and one-second place this year alone. With career earnings close to $800,000 he is definitely a contender for this year’s Kentucky Derby race.
Simplification
Trainer: Anthony W. Dutrow
Despite missing the start of the Holy Bull Stakes, Simplification managed to gather points from other races backing his place on the leaderboard. He had some impressive appearances the last year alone and is definitely a horse to watch at the main event.
Forbidden Kingdom
Trainer: Richard Mandella
The Forbidden Kingdom looked like a true champion after winning the San Vicente Stakes and has a great chance for finishing a good place at the Kentucky Derby. It is worth mentioning that Forbidden Kingdom’s sire is Triple Crown champion, who won the Kentucky Derby, as well as the Preakness, Breeders’ Cup Classic and Belmont stakes.
Smile Happy
Trainer: Kenny McPeek
Many people still consider Smile Happy to be Kentucky Derby’s favorite despite the loss to Epicenter in the Risen Star Stakes last month. Of course, this makes sense since that was his first appearance in over three months, and still managed to finish strong.
He even managed to win the Kentucky Jockey Club last fall and made some huge headlines this year alone. Smile Happy is one of Kentucky Derby’s contenders and a horse that might win it all.
In Due Time
Trainer: Kelly J. Breen
In Due Time made a huge leap on the leaderboard and in people’s predictions after the incredible appearance on the Gulfstream Park in early February and managed to beat American Icon by 6 lengths. With 30/1 odds currently, it might be a good pick for your Kentucky Derby betting.
Classic Causeway
Trainer: Brian Lynch
Classic Causeway had an impressive start that took the lead right out the gate. It set some pretty quick fractions and held for an easy win under Irad Ortiz Jr. in Sam F. Davis Stakes not too long ago. He also earned an 88 Beyer Speed Figure for this win, even though it is unclear just how good the competition was.
This is the same Classic Causeway that finished 2021 as a runner-up in Churchill Downs’ premier juvenile race. He will run a couple of races before the Derby and it is a favorite in most of them.
Final Words
These are some of the contenders for the Kentucky Derby and knowing each of the horses’ potential, it is going to be a tight race. It wouldn’t surprise us to see an underdog take the lead just because there are many horses in this competition that are not well-proven in previous races.
In other words, we cannot know if they are running at their full potential which means there is always room for surprise.