Scully, Hanson plays for Kentucky Derby and Oaks Future Wagers

Pool 4 of the 2022 Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) and the lone Kentucky Oaks Future Wager (KOFW) will be offered concurrently thus week. Wagering for both commences at noon (ET) on Friday, with the Derby pool closing at 6 p.m. and the Oaks pool at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Brisnet.com editors James Scully and Vance Hanson have reached a consensus on an individual entry they like in the KDFW and both will offer a bonus contender they're interested in backing this weekend in both pools.

Consensus Pick: Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 4

#22 Zandon (12-1) came back in a tough spot in last month's Risen Star (G2), but ran well for third after a poor start and wide trip. The promising colt is eligible to keep improving for Chad Brown, gaining valuable seasoning in his third career start last time, and his stalking style is appealing given the amount of early speed being assembled for this year's Derby.

James Scully's Bonus Free Pick

At a price, #15 Pioneer of Medina (30-1) intrigues me a little. He broke his maiden around two turns in late December and, after coming back to win a two-turn allowance by open lengths, he finished a decent fourth in a deep edition of the Risen Star. Bred to run all day and possessing tactical speed, he could prove to be a late-developing type who thrives this spring for Todd Pletcher.

Vance Hanson's Bonus Free Pick

He lacks the seasoning that others do, having beaten only maidens over a mile in his second career start last month, but the ceiling remains very high on #3 Charge It (30-1). The Todd Pletcher-trained Tapit colt is out of a half-sister to champion Will Take Charge and Grade 1 winners Take Charge Indy and As Time Goes By, and is also closely related to the star siblings Omaha Beach and Take Charge Brandi. He's earned a chance to jump immediately into stakes company and, though he might not win next out, could be a Derby force if he can get qualified.

James Scully's Kentucky Oaks Future Wager Pick

#21 Venti Valentine (15-1) just missed when jumping up in class and distance for the Demoiselle (G2) last fall, finishing a neck second to Nest, and the New York-bred filly came back stronger this year, winning the March 5 Busher S. by seven lengths under wraps. Her Brisnet Speed ratings increased nicely, and given her upside, Venti Valentine should offer value.

Vance Hanson's Kentucky Oaks Future Wager Pick

With Echo Zulu and Secret Oath sure to garner most of the wagering attention, now might be a good time to invest in the logical third choice at the moment: #15 Nest (8-1). Although she has the look of a filly that might even better this summer, I won't discount her Oaks chances at this point. Heroine of the Demoiselle, she was subsequently flattered by both Venti Valentine and Magic Circle, and her comeback against a soft field in the Suncoast S. set up her well for her next outing, presumably the Ashland (G1) at Keeneland.