The First Saturday in May is a sacred date in the world of gambling. That is because the biggest betting horse race of the year is run on that day. Handicapping the 2022 Kentucky Derby Lines has been going on since last fall’s Breeders’ Cup. Consequently, there are several realistic choices in the minds of gamblers. But the Kentucky Derby always offers the element of surprise. Concurrently we have seen one of the most competitive Kentucky Derby prep race seasons in history. Interest is always high for Derby Day. But this year, even more so.
2022 Kentucky Derby Top Favorites
| When: |
Saturday, May 7, 2022 |
| Where: |
Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky |
| TV Coverage: |
NBC |
| Horse |
Odds |
| Epicenter |
5/1 |
| Messier |
6/1 |
| Taiba |
6/1 |
| Zandon |
6/1 |
| Mo Donegal |
8/1 |
| Smile Happy |
14/1 |
| White Abarrio |
14/1 |
| Charge It |
20/1 |
| Tiz the Bomb |
20/1 |
| Zozos |
20/1 |
| Cyberknife |
22/1 |
| Simplification |
22/1 |
| Early Voting |
25/1 |
| Morello |
25/1 |
| Barber Road |
30/1 |
| Slow Down Andy |
40/1 |
| Crown Pride |
50/1 |
| Summer is Tomorrow |
90/1 |
| Tawny Part |
100/1 |
| In Due Time |
120/1 |
| Place Bets |
2022 Kentucky Derby CashBet Odds Analysis
In like manner to previous seasons, the Kentucky Derby has had wild fluctuations of sportsbook activity. Much of that has to do with the Kentucky Derby prep races. Any horse that wins a prep race will catapult to the top of the board. Additionally, media hype becomes a beast in its own right. The top favorites get most of the media attention. Subsequently, casual bettors will follow suit for betting action. The media feeds a beast as favored horses become even bigger favorites.
On this occasion, we have to consider the square money factor in pricing. No horse race will draw more wagering handle than the Kentucky Derby. Millions of gamblers will be wagering on the only horse race they pay attention to all year. Thus, the prices that we see on the board are not necessarily indicative of the merits of each horse. Media hype drives the prices on the board as much as ability.
Additionally, big-name trainers will affect the Kentucky Derby betting odds. Bob Baffert immediately comes to mind as a name-brand trainer. Baffert has been profiled on TV with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick as the GOAT of their respective fields. Baffert “won” last year’s Kentucky Derby with Medina Spirit in a controversial decision that is yet to be resolved. Medina Spirit tested positive for a banned substance after the win. Although the win was never revoked, Baffert was suspended and ostracized. But he is back in the fold for 2022.
2022 Kentucky Derby Top Contenders
Epicenter Rides Consecutive Wins to Top of Board
Epicenter is trained by Steven M Asmussen, one of the most respected trainers in the game. In fact, Asmussen is a member of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. He has led horses to two wins at the Preakness Stakes and one win at the Belmont Stakes. Last time out, Epicenter took the win at the Grade-2 Louisiana Derby on March 26, 2022. Epicenter was coming off a win at the Grade-2 Risen Star on February 19, 2022. Such momentum has drawn plenty of attention with the Kentucky Derby Betting Lines.
Baffert Leads Messier to the Starting Gate
It is true that Bob Baffert is discredited in the eyes of many gamblers. But he is still Bob Baffert, the Hall of Famer with six Kentucky Derby wins to his credit. Additionally, Baffert has trained the last two Triple Crown-winning horses. Last time out at the Grade-1 Santa Anita Derby, Messier finished second to Taiba on April 9, 2022. Previously, Messier won the Grade-3 Robert B Lewis on February 6, 2022. With Baffert as trainer and three wins in his last five starts, Messier is a popular Kentucky Derby wagering choice.
2022 Kentucky Derby CashBet Best Bets:
Messier
