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The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / Horse Racing / 2022 Kentucky Derby Betting Tips Preview and Predictions

2022 Kentucky Derby Betting Tips Preview and Predictions

The 148th Run for the Roses!
Publish Date: 05/05/2022
Fact checked by: Mark Lewis
Kentucky Derby hopeful Smile Happy walks on the track during early morning workouts as they prepares for the148th running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on Thursday, May 5, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY KYP20220505013 JOHNxSOMMERSxII

Run for the roses at Kentucky Derby 2022

At the Kentucky Derby, the horses will rock like rockstars. Nearly 150,000 people will flock to Churchill Down Racecourse in May to have a close-up look at the horses and see who wins the first leg of the Triple Crown. Fans love to wager on the race, just like at any major sporting event. Its important to start looking for the best horse racing betting sites in the US from today!

In 2021, $153.7 million were placed on bets for the race. This year’s edition could very well top that and go after the 2019 record of $165.6 million. If you plan to be one of those folks looking to bank some big bucks on May 7, let’s first get a look at some of the top Kentucky Derby horses running in the 2022 race.

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The Horses

Mo Donegal

Todd A. Pletcher trains Mo Donegal, a young juvenile that is on the rise. He beat Zandon at the Remsen S in Dec. — which was a horse with higher odds in the Derby — by a hair. Mo’s poppa/sire Uncle Mo was the father of the Kentucky Derby Nyquist 2016. Mo is a legitimate dark horse in this group.

Odds: 10-1

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Messier

Messier, a bay colt trained by Tim Yakteen, was once coached by Bob Baffert and is one of the favorites to win big at Churchill Downs. This horse is now a serious contender for the Louisville derby trophy after a strong performance in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes in Feb.

Odds: 8-1

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Epicenter

Epicenter, a bay colt bred by Steve Asmussen, is a top choice for 2022. Although the colt’s trainer has not won a derby, this could be the year that his dream comes true. In four of his last five races, Epicenter has finished first in four. All of those were on dirt. Epicenter’s past and recent strung run on dirt are major reasons he is a favourite on May 7.

Odds: 7-2

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Smile and be happy

Smile Happy is a Lucky Seven Stable Colt owned by Kenney McPeek and trained by Kenney. In November, he won by 3 1/4 lengths on this track. Although he is not among the top five favourites to win the race, Smile Happy is a front-running horse and rain is predicted for this year’s derby. This could mean that he might have a better showing than his 20-1 odds. Check out the top new sports betting sites!

Odds: 20-1

Bet on Smile and be happy at Kentucky Derby with TVG here:

Zandon

Chad C. Brown trains Zandon, a Colt. He quickly rose to the top of betting odds after a $1million win at the Blue Grass Stakes on April 9. Three-year-old Zandon, bred in Kentucky, also won at Belmont in October. He continues to improve with each race and may be peaking at just the right moment to win Saturday’s first leg of the Triple Crown.

Odds: 3-1

Bet on Zandon at Kentucky Derby with 4NJBets here:

Kentucky Derby 2022 Betting Tips Video:

Video: How To Bet on The 2022 Kentucky Derby 🏇 Betting Tips & Picks

How To Bet on The 2022 Kentucky Derby 🏇 Betting Tips & Picks

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Predictions

1) Zandon

2) Epicenter

3) Moe Donegal

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