2022 Kentucky Derby Leading Betting Favorites, Odds and Analysis 

On Saturday, one of the great traditions in North American sports will be renewed.  The 148^th Kentucky Derby will be run at Churchill Downs.  To begin with, the Kentucky Derby ranks with the Masters golf tournament for its mystique.  And Churchill Downs rates with the Augusta National Golf Club as a hallowed venue.  On the whole, few events can match the “Run for the Roses.”  We have several legitimate favorites to consider this year with the Kentucky Derby Lines.  The First Saturday in May means the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”

---

2022 Kentucky Derby CashBet Odds Analysis – The Square Factor

A clear difference exists between the Kentucky Derby and any other horse race.  At the beginning is the factor of public money.  Millions of gamblers that will have not and will not bet on another horse race in 2022 will wager on the Kentucky Derby.  Since these gamblers don’t know anything about horse racing, they will rely on the media for their handicapping efforts.  And depending on the media means wagering on hype.  Cause by much of the Kentucky Derby media not knowing much more than the casual gamblers.

It follows that media coverage and the square factor directly impact the sportsbook odds.  Sharps must take up the task of assessing the value of each horse.  Wise Guys must factor actual ability with the public perception.  To put it another way, sharps must measure what the price on a horse should be, compared to what it actually is.  To illuminate, the greater the difference either way, the better or worse the value.

The Kentucky Derby Quality Factor

The Kentucky Derby is the one race that every owner, trainer, and jockey wants to win.  Thus, the best horses in the world are listed on the board for the Kentucky Derby betting odds.  Such quality means that the gamblers that can best assess the correct price breaks can attain the most wagering value.  With so many quality horses in the field, it is possible to overpay for a horse.  By contrast, handicappers can also find bargain prices far below what is actually merited.

Epicenter Takes the Point as Early Favorite of Favorites

At the onset of the week, Epicenter was the Kentucky Derby betting Lines favorite.  Much of this is in reaction to Epicenter winning his last two races.  On March 26, 2022, Epicenter won the Grade-2 Louisiana Derby.  Previously, Epicenter won the Grade-2 Risen Star on February 19, 2022.

Messier Remains Favored Despite Loss at Santa Anita

Last time out, Messier was upset by Taiba at the prestigious Grade-1 Santa Anita Derby on April 9, 2022.  Before that, Messier was the winner of the Grade-3 Robert B Lewis on February 6, 2022.   Messier also had a previous win at the Grade-3 Bob Hope on November 14, 2021.

Taiba Breaks Out After Big Win

Of course, the Santa Anita Derby win put Taiba among the top favorites.  But Taiba has only two career starts.

Zandon Rides Momentum of Big Win

Late on, Zandon ahs emerged as a leading Kentucky Derby wagering chalk after a Grade-1 win at the Blue Grass Stakes on April 9, 2022.  Zandon had finished second and third in two earlier Grade-2 wins.

Mo Donegal 8/1 Closes Strong

Yet another horse coming off a big win is Mo Donegal at the Grade-2 Wood Memorial on April 9, 2022.  Mo Donegal also won the Grade-2 Remsen on December 4, 2021.

2022 Kentucky Derby CashBet Best Bets

Zandon