2022 Kentucky Derby draw: Zandon pegged as 3-1 favorite; Epicenter in post 3

Blue Grass (G1) winner Zandon has been generating a lot of buzz going into Saturday’s Kentucky Derby (G1), and that steam made him the 3-1 morning-line favorite at the conclusion of Monday’s post position draw. The Chad Brown trainee landed in an ideal post 10 with a returning Flavien Prat.

Louisiana Derby (G2) victor Epicenter, previously expected to be favored, is now the close second choice at 7-2. Drawn in post 3, the Steve Asmussen runner is just to the inside of another pace factor, possible frontrunner Summer Is Tomorrow (in post 4). Epicenter’s jockey Joel Rosario will have to work out possible scenarios.

Santa Anita Derby (G1) runner-up Messier, listed as the 8-1 third choice, projects a forward trip from post 6. Stablemate Taiba, who beat him in the Santa Anita Derby, rates a 12-1 chance, reflecting his historic task of trying to become the first horse since 1883 to win the Kentucky Derby in his third start. Both are former Bob Baffert pupils transferred to Tim Yakteen.

Tabbed at a joint 10-1 are Florida Derby (G1) hero White Abarrio and Wood Memorial (G2) scorer Mo Donegal. While White Abarrio figures to settle in striking range from post 15, Mo Donegal will employ his closing style from the rail.

For pace dynamics, it’s notable that two of the speedier entrants, Classic Causeway (post 17) and Zozos (post 19), are parked out wide.