Scully, Hanson examine Pool 3 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager

Pool 3 of the 2022 Kentucky Derby Future Wager opens its three-day run on Friday, and Brisnet.com editors James Scully and Vance Hanson have reached a consensus on an individual entry. Both will also offer a bonus contender they're interested in backing this weekend.

Consensus Pick: Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3

Although not thrilled with the early price on #9 Forbidden Kingdom (10-1), we'll take a long look if it creeps up from the morning line odds this weekend. His victory in last month's seven-furlong San Vicente (G2) was a solid piece of work, in which he outsprinted two more highly-regarded rivals, and as a son of American Pharoah he should be able to stretch that speed beyond one turn. Trained by Richard Mandella, who is overdue for some classic success, Forbidden Kingdom is bound for the Mar. 5 San Felipe (G2)

James Scully's Bonus Free Pick

#19 Simplification (30-1) displayed grit overcoming a terrible start in the Holy Bull (G3), rallying from well off the pace to finish second in his two-turn debut, and the speedy sophomore should benefit from the experience. Bred top and bottom for longer distances, the Antonio Sano-trained colt may not receive much support in Pool 3, but I like his progression and expect a strong performance on the front end in the next prep race.

Vance Hanson's Bonus Free Pick

The Holy Bull distance of 1 1/16 miles and the general nature of the Gulfstream track worked against #16 Mo Donegal (30-1) in last weekend's Holy Bull. Nonetheless, the Todd Pletcher trainee was coming on fairly well at the end and just missed second to the aforementioned Simplification. It was a prep in the truest sense and served its purpose for better efforts down the road in more ideal circumstances. He's likely to be overlooked this weekend following that loss, but the Uncle Mo retains the look of a serious Derby candidate.