Kentucky Derby 2022: Who's hot, who's not for March 2, 2022

WHO’S HOT

Un Ojo and Ethereal Road, the one-two finishers in the Rebel Stakes last Saturday at Oaklawn Park, are the two newcomers this week to the Derby Watch top 20. Both are listed at 30-1 on the line of Daily Racing Form’s Marty McGee for the May 7 Kentucky Derby. Zandon, 10-1 last week, moved down to 8-1 on McGee’s line, making him the co-third choice – with Classic Causeway and Mo Donegal – behind Smile Happy and Epicenter. Emmanuel (from 12-1 to 10-1) and Simplification (30-1 to 20-1) both saw their prices trend lower in advance of their scheduled starts this Saturday in the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park. Also, jockey Jose Ortiz is amassing a nice portfolio of Derby prospects. He picked up the mount on Simplication for the Fountain of Youth, and has been riding both Early Voting and Zandon for trainer Chad Brown.

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WHO’S NOT

Ben Diesel and Chasing Time both were removed from the list after failing to earn any points in the Rebel.

ON THE BUBBLE

With four point-scoring races Saturday – including three that offer 50 points to the winner – there are plenty of opportunities to make an impression. The comebacking High Oak is one of the ones to watch in the Fountain of Youth, as is Giant Game, who had a breathing issue addressed after his poor race in the Holy Bull. If anyone other than Rockefeller wins the Gotham, that horse would earn 50 points, be guaranteed a starting spot in the Derby, and thus earn a place on the Derby Watch list.