We have expert betting tips for the Kentucky Derby this Sunday at Churchill Downs which features a quality field of 22.
The Kentucky Derby is the biggest race in North America and it kicks off the Triple Crown, where dreams are made.
We have a runner-by-runner betting guide available for the Kentucky Derby.
Best bets for Kentucky Derby 2022
Best Bet:
Epicenter @ $4.50
Best Each Way Bet:
Mo Donegal @ $10
Best Roughie:
Charge It @ $13
Kentucky Derby Trifecta Tips
Punters should have six runners on their ticket for the Kentucky Derby trifecta.
- Mo Donegal
- Epicenter
- Messier
- Charge It
- Zandon
- Taiba
Kentucky Derby First-Four Tips
We have included eight runners for our Kentucky Derby first-four.
- Mo Donegal
- Epicenter
- Messier
- Charge It
- Zandon
- Taiba
- Smile Happy
- Pioneer of Medina
Kentucky Derby Form Guide & Tips
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1. Mo Donegal (Best Each Way – $10)
The Wood Memorial winner doesn’t always have the best Kentucky Derby record but Mo Donegal could buck the trend.
He’s a tough type and he should be in peak fitness with two runs under his belt.
2. Happy Jack ($67)
We can’t find room for Happy Jack and we would be surprised if he finished in the first half of the field.
3. Epicenter (Best Bet – $4.50)
Epicenter has been at the forefront of betting markets for months and he has the best form coming into this race.
He is shooting for three consecutive wins after a strong victory in the Louisiana Derby. We love his action and he’s the testing material.
4. Summer is Tomorrow ($51)
Big odds are available for Summer is Tomorrow and we can’t find a case for him. He has been around the mark but not at this level, so leave him out of selections.
5. Smile Happy ($23)
He started his career with consecutive wins before running second Messier and Epicenter. We like that form and he should be right around the mark.
The odds are appealing, especially for the place.
6. Messier ($9)
One disappointing run and he went from the Kentucky Derby favourite to $13. His odds have firmed since and he could bounce back to his best.
The class is there and we’re not leaving him out.
7. Crown Pride ($26)
Crown Pride owns three wins from four starts, including the UAE Derby. We’re unsure how that form stacks up, but we’re prepared to risk him.
Watch for any late betting moves.
8. Charge It (Best Roughie – $13)
Charge It ran second behind White Abarrio last start and we think he has more upside than many in this field.
The Todd Pletcher-trained colt could be a rising star and we’re happy with the $13 available.
9. Tiz the Bomb ($29)
He looked like a nice type in the making early on and that still might be the case, but the odds are a worry.
We expected him to be at a shorter price, so others might have more upside.
10. Zandon ($6)
Opened as the favourite when the barrier draw was released. He comes off a win in the Blue Grass Stakes and that can’t be overlooked.
He’s a must-have in trifecta and first-four options.
11. Pioneer of Medina ($34)
He could be a sleeper pick and he’s going into first four selections. The Pletcher-trained colt wasn’t far behind Epicenter at his latest run and he could turn that form around.
Include for value.
12. Taiba ($7.50)
Unbeaten after two starts and he won the Santa Anita Derby when beating stablemate Messier.
A lot to like about that form and he goes into the mix after being well-backed to score.
13. Simplification ($17)
A little under the odds in our opinion, and although he has been around the mark, he would need to find a couple of lengths.
14. Barber Road ($41)
Consistent but he’s another runner that needs to improve to figure in the finish. A nice type but wait for a better betting opportunity.
15. White Abarrio ($12)
Four wins from five starts and it defeated many runners in this field last time out. Drawn wide but it’s good enough to figure in the finish.
16. Cyberknife ($23)
A winner of the Arkansas Derby. That’s not the hottest form guide for the Kentucky Derby but he could be good enough to finish in the first four.
17. Classic Causeway ($34)
Classic Causeway was an early pick to win but he didn’t fire last time out. It will be tough to turn that form around.
18. Tawny Port ($41)
He comes off a win but he would need to improve on that effort. This is much harder and he’s likely to struggle.
19. Zozos ($26)
Second behind Epicenter last start, which followed back-to-back wins. Nothing wrong with that form and only the wide draw hurts.
Could attract interest late in betting.
20. Ethereal Road ($67)
Not running well enough to be considered.
21. Rich Strike ($101)
The triple-figure odds tell punters all they need to know. It will be doing well to finish in the first half.
22. Rattle N Roll ($51)
Talented at best but we have been disappointed with his recent form.
