2022 Kentucky Derby - A Look at the Field
Last Updated: 05/02/2022 at 6:50 PM ET
The “most exciting two minutes in sports” returns on Saturday May 7 with the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby. The Derby is expected to draw over 150,000 fans at Churchill Downs while millions more will watch on television or streaming on the internet. This year's Derby field is diverse and talented. The two heavy favorites are Epicenter and White Abarrio, while Zandon and Mo Donegal arrive at Churchill Downs coming off victories in their final tune-ups before the Derby and will give the favorites a run for their money.
Epicenter has four victories and one second in six career starts. In four Derby preps, Epicenter won three and finished second by a head in a fourth. Not to be overlooked is White Abarrio with four victories and one third in five career starts. WA was victorious in two of his three starts while a two-year old and the only loss was a third place finish. In early 2020, WA was victorious at Gulfstream Park in two important prep races for the derby.
California-based 3-year old Taiba has attracted attention and will attempt to become just the second horse to win the “run for the roses” off only two starts. Tiz the Bomb could be a dark horse with five victories and one second in eight career starts. Four of the colt’s five victories have been stakes races with a second-place finish in a Grade 1 event. Cyberknife also must be taken into consideration with three victories and two seconds in six career starts.
The field is very deep this year and other thoroughbreds that cannot be overlooked include; Crown Pride, with three victories in four starts; Simplification, with three wins, one second and two thirds in seven career starts; Smile Happy, with two wins and two seconds in four career starts; Classic Causeway , with three wins, one second and one third in six starts; Tawny Port, with three wins and one second in five starts. Rounding out the field are Barber Road, Ojo, Early Voting, Messier, Zozos, Summer Is Tomorrow, Charge It, Happy Jack, Pioneer of Medina and Ethereal Road.
