2022 Kentucky Derby Odds, Picks, Betting Analysis: Zandon
A new favorite has emerged as we inch closer to the running of the 2022 Kentucky Derby. As of Thursday morning, Zandon was listed as the morning line favorite with 3/1 odds, with Epicenter right behind him at 7/2.
But how much should you rely on this emerging horse in your Kentucky Derby betting card? Let’s take a closer look at one of the field’s top contenders:
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Zandon Key Betting Information
Owner: Jeff Brown
Trainer: Chad Brown
Past results: Two victories in four appearances. Finished top three in all four career appearances.
Kentucky Derby Jockey: Flavien Prat
Post position: 10th
Zandon is a relatively inexperienced horse, coming into Derby Day with just four races under his belt. But what he lacks in experience he makes up for in talent.
Zandon has gained a reputation for being a closer during his young career. Just take a look at this performance from the Blue Grass Stakes, where he ascends from the back of the pack — literally last place — to the winner’s circle over the final quarter-mile stretch.
It was an incredibly impressive performance, as Zandon had to overcome a sizable distance and plenty of traffic to pull off the victory. Clearly, this horse can handle adversity. But in a loaded 20-horse Kentucky Derby field, Zandon might not have as much luck overcoming a lengthy deficit.
Zandon will also work with one of the most accomplished jockeys in the field in Flavien Prat. You may remember him from the 2019 derby, when he rode Country House, a massive longshot, to a victory after Maximum Security was disqualified. In last year’s race, Prat rode Hot Rod Charlie to a second-place result. Prat was aboard Zandon in the Blue Grass Stakes victory earlier in April too.
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Betting preview and prediction:
Zandon is rightfully one of the favorites in this year’s field. He has proven late-stage closing ability and has the benefit of jockey familiarity. There’s a valid concern that a bad start out of the gates will get him too far behind the pack to recover. But with a solid post position, I expect Zandon to start the race a bit off the pace before charging down the home stretch.
At 3/1, Zandon’s price definitely doesn’t offer a ton of value right now. However, he’s a deserving favorite who should be included in all of your exotics. If closing speed is what you value, Zandon is the ideal choice.
Bets to make: Include Zandon is all exactas, trifectas and superfectas, lean with him at 3/1 to win
And check out our previews for the other top horses of the 2022 Kentucky Derby:
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