Last year Medina Spirit ran to an apparent victory at the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Except that there was a dispute that remains unresolved almost one year later. Medina Spirit tested positive for a banned substance. But the trace that was found was considered by most to have not been decisive in the victory. Trainer Bob Baffert, who was compared to New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, was suspended after the results with the Kentucky Derby odds. Baffert has kept a low profile ever since. Medina Spirit was never stripped of the win but was never celebrated as the champion.
2022 Kentucky Derby The 148th Running
| Date: |
May 7, 2022 |
| Venue: |
Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky |
| Horse |
Odds |
| Corniche |
6/1 |
| Smile Happy |
20/1 |
| Zandon |
25/1 |
| Rattle N Roll |
22/1 |
| Jack Christopher |
15/1 |
| Pappacap |
25/1 |
| Command performance |
30/1 |
| Epicenter |
25/1 |
| Newgrange |
35/1 |
| Mo Donegal |
35/1 |
| Messier |
20/1 |
| All Other Horses |
45/1 |
| Place Bets |
Corniche Maintains Favorite Status
As is almost always the case, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion opened as the Kentucky Derby Top Online sportsbook favorite. Corniche was the winner of the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. The Grade 1 race is held annually at the Breeders’ Cup weekend. Specifically, the race serves as the opening of the Triple Crown season and sets the favorites for the upcoming year. Corniche was the winner at Del Mar on November 5, 2021. Also, Corniche ran to victory at the Grade 1 American Pharoah at Santa Anita on October 1, 2021.
Corniche’s trainer adds to the intrigue and drama with the Horse racing Betting odds. Trainer Bob Baffert is the biggest winner in horse racing. That is why he is compared to Bill Belichick. In fact, the two were featured on an NBC profile last year before that fateful Kentucky Derby.
When Medina Spirit won the 2021 Kentucky Derby, Baffert was celebrated as the greatest genius trainer of all time. That night he was on top of the world. And when word broke that Medina Spirit flunked his drug test, Baffert was defiant and implied that it was a conspiracy against him. Baffert alluded to jealousy regarding his success with the Kentucky Derby Lines. But as more evidence came out, Baffert quickly retreated. He has been rarely seen or heard since.
Media Spirit Death
The final chapter of an ugly 2021 came when Media Spirit died in December after a workout at Santa Anita. The death was unexpected and said to have been a heart attack. But Baffert haters and his enemies blitzed the media to say they were not surprised at the news. Baffert has been linked to doping accusations for years, and 35 racehorses have died under his leadership. A competitor said Baffert has become “arrogant as hell” and is well connected politically. Thus, Baffert has escaped serious punishment.
However, gamblers see Baffert in an entirely different light. To them, Baffert is a hero to be defended at all costs. And to be wagered on any time he enters a horse into a major race. Thus, Corniche commands considerable credibility as a Baffert Horse that won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
Smile Happy Gains Attention
Second choice on the board for the 2022 Kentucky Derby is Smile Happy. This Kenneth McPeek-trained horse has won his first two starts. Last time out, Smile Happy won the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club on November 27, 2021.
Zandon Could Bring Hidden Value
Following a second-place finish at the Grade 2 Remsen on December 4, 2021, Remsen has caught attention. Chad Brown, age 42, is one of the most respected trainers in the game. Brown has won numerous stakes races and the 2017 Preakness Stakes. Still, Brown seeks his first Kentucky Derby win.
Jack Christopher Makes Statement at Champagne
Last time out, Jack Christopher emerged as a top-tier contender for the Kentucky Derby, winning at the Grade 1 Champagne. The win took place at Belmont on October 2, 2021.
