The Kentucky Derby is a highly anticipated event in Louisville, Kentucky. It’s the first of three races (the Triple Crown) in horse racing’s most prestigious series and has been an annual tradition since 1875.
The prep races for this year’s Derby have been exciting, and the field of horses is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. Qualifying points quickly add up, and the list of potential contenders is getting shorter.
Excitement is building for what promises to be a great race. Be sure to tune in and catch all the action! In the meantime, here are the five horses with the highest points on the leaderboard.
Epicenter
Epicenter dominates the leaderboard ranks with a total of 64 points. The colt’s first prep race win was last December 26, 2021, in the Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds. And Epicenter ran a 6 ½ distance, showing and demonstrating his natural speed and talent.
His tactical speed was a significant factor in Epicenter’s victory. Although he is still lightly raced, his potential is evident. Tactical speed is a horse’s ability to change speeds quickly. It is an essential attribute for a racehorse because it can mean the difference between winning and losing.
Epicenter is still learning, and trainer Steven Asmussen hopes for better things to come. Then, in his second prep race ( Grade 3 Lecomte), Epicenter finished second against Call Me Midnight. While his loss is unfortunate, he showed his finesse and skill.
His recent win was in the Grade 2 Risen Star last February 19, 2022, which he won by two ¾ lengths at Fair Grounds Racetrack. Epicenter earned 50 qualifying points, cementing his place on the Derby leaderboard.
Epicenter is undoubtedly a horse to watch out for with so much potential in the 2022 Kentucky Derby. Be sure to check out tvg kentucky derby contenders and see if Epicenter is still in the race.
Un Ojo
The second horse on the leaderboard is Un Ojo. He finished second in the Grade 3 Withers at Aqueduct on February 5, earning four qualifying points. Then, Un Ojo earned 50 more points after winning the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes.
Undoubtedly, the colt has the talent to become a superstar, and he has the confidence to win every race he’s in. What’s more inspiring is that Un Ojo has only one eye. He lost his left eye as a yearling in a pasture accident.
Unfortunately, one-eyed horses are not typically the favorites but look at Un Ojo now, earning a spot in the 2022 Kentucky Derby. But before going into the big race on May 7, Un Ojo will race in two more prep races, including the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby and Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes.
Simplification
With 54 points, Simplification is another horse to watch out for on the road to the 2022 Kentucky Derby. He earned four qualifying points when he finished second in the Grade 3 Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park.
And on March 5, 2022, Simplification earned fifty more points when he won first in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth. He rallied behind, was forced to take dirt, avoided early squabbling, and ultimately seized the lead until the homestretch.
The favorite finished the course in a fast track in over 1 minute 44 seconds. We’ll indeed be seeing more of Simplification in the coming prep races and onto the big race this May 7.
Morello
Morello has never been defeated in a race, which is impressive for a three-year-old horse. He delivered remarkable performances in all his races, including the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct.
Morello finished first in that race, earning 50 points. Steve Asmussen is the horse’s trainer, and Jose Lezcano is the jockey. Morello might try to make his final prep race in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial on April 9 at Aqueduct.
Whether he can keep his winning streak or not, it’s without a doubt that Morello made a name in the horse racing industry.
Forbidden Kingdom
With 50 points, Forbidden Kingdom earns a place on the leaderboard after winning the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park. In the early stage of the race, he quickly distanced himself from the other horses and sprinted over the finish line with 45.90 seconds on the clock.
Indeed, Forbidden Kingdom is a fast horse. And according to his jockey Juan Hernandez, if you fight with him, Forbidden Kingdom only tries to go faster. There’s no stopping him.
Final Thoughts
The Kentucky Derby is a huge and exciting event. We get to see twenty horses thunder down the track, vying for the first-place prize. The race is only two minutes long, but it’s full of suspense and excitement.
