2022 Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for March 30, 2022

WHO’S HOT

Epicenter’s impressive victory in the Louisiana Derby on Saturday has vaulted him into the favorite’s role for the May 7 Kentucky Derby on the line of Daily Racing Form’s Marty McGee. He is down to 7-2 from last week’s 8-1. There are five newcomers to this week’s list, the most notable being Messier, who was moved to trainer Tim Yakteen and is now eligible to earn points in the Santa Anita Derby April 9. He is 10-1 on McGee’s line, making him the co-fifth choice. Zozos, runner-up in the Louisiana Derby, is 15-1. Charge It, who runs in the Florida Derby on Saturday, and Slow Down Andy, winner of the Sunland Derby, are 30-1, and United Arab Emirates Derby winner Crown Pride is 50-1.

:: KENTUCKY DERBY 2022: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more

WHO’S NOT

Five horses were dropped, either owing to performance (Call Me Midnight and Rattle N Roll), or because others were adjudged better prospects at this time. That list includes Ethereal Road, Grantham, and Shipsational. Owing to the odds drop on Epicenter and Messier coming onto the list, a number of horses had to have their prices raised by McGee to balance his line. Mo Donegal, for instance, is now 20-1 from last week’s 12-1, and Emmanuel’s price doubled, from 15-1 to 30-1. In Due Time floated way out, to 50-1 from 20-1.

ON THE BUBBLE

With three point-scoring races Saturday – the Arkansas Derby, Florida Derby, and Jeff Ruby Steaks – there are ample opportunities for horses far down the points list to vault onto the list, which now becomes completely driven by points. The most prominent names include the filly Secret Oath and the unbeaten We the People, both taking their first shot at earning Derby points in the Arkansas Derby.