Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for April 20, 2022

WHO’S HOT

With all the points-scoring races now complete, the Derby Watch list is entirely driven by the points list. As a result, Morello – who has been on the list previously – and newcomer Happy Jack find themselves as the two added to this week’s list. Morello, who was eliminated at the start of the Wood Memorial when he broke poorly, is 30-1 on the line of Daily Racing Form’s Marty McGee for the Kentucky Derby on May 7. Happy Jack, a distant third in the Santa Anita Derby, is a 50-1 shot. Tawny Port, the Lexington winner, is down to 20-1 after being 50-1 a week ago. Zandon remains the 4-1 favorite on McGee’s line, with Epicenter right behind at 5-1.

WHO’S NOT

In Due Time, 22nd on the points list after finishing third in the Lexington, and Sunland Derby winner Slow Down Andy, who was taken off the Derby trail last week, were removed from the top 20 list. McGee increased the price on Florida Derby runner-up Charge It to 15-1 from last week’s 12-1 to balance the line after the odds drop on Tawny Port.

ON THE BUBBLE

Pioneer of Medina is 21st on the points list, and In Due Time is next, but with top 20 members Early Voting and Morello both far from certain for the Derby, there’s a good chance one or both could get in. In Due Time is fortunate to be in this position. Had he been disqualified after causing an accident in the Fountain of Youth, he would have lost 20 points for finishing second. That stewards’ decision very well could be the difference between him getting into the race and knocking out a horse who would have made the field otherwise. May 2 is the day entries are due, and posts drawn, for the Derby.

– Jay Privman