Kentucky Derby 2022 Kentucky Derby Rankings 2/3/2022: Newgrange Continues to Impress February 3, 2022 Newgrange (Credit: Ernie Belmonte) Kentucky Derby 2022 Kentucky Derby Rankings 2/3/2022: Newgrange Continues to Impress February 3, 2022 By: Aaron Halterman twitterfacebooklinkedinemail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article Welcome to the 2022 Kentucky Derby Rankings! Each week leading up to the race, we will provide our Top 20 Kentucky Derby Prospects, as well as updates with the latest news on each horse.You can also visit our Kentucky Derby page for loads of information, including the latest news, rankings, prep race schedules, the Kentucky Derby point standings, and much more! 2024 Kentucky Derby Let’s take a look at our latest list leading up to this weekend’s Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park:1. Smile HappyPros: Perfect record; graded stakes victory over the Churchill Downs surfaceCons: Speed figures still a bit low; not sure what he’s faced yetOutlook: His Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) victory was pretty impressive. He showed a burst of speed late in both starts so far. We’ll seem in the Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds for his 2022 debut. 2022 Kentucky Derby Contenders: Smile Happy 2. Corniche Pros: Undefeated; Bob Baffert; Champion JuvenileCons: Speed figures are low; competition he’s faced is sketchy Outlook: He’ll be the champion 2-year-old with ease while being the clear Kentucky Derby favorite heading into 2022. However, the level of competition that he has faced is still a little questionable. 3. EmmanuelPros: Solid debut effort at Gulfstream Park; followed up with an easy Tampa Bay allowance victoryCons: Speed figure aren’t flashy; still no stakes experienceOutlook: This horse has looked ultra-impressive in both of his starts, and has the look of being Todd Pletcher’s best horse. Stakes company will definitely be next. 2022 Kentucky Derby Contenders: Emmanuel 4. EpicenterPros: Three solid races in a row; has the early speed needed to be in position Cons: Recent loss to a 28/1 shot in the Lecomte Stakes (G3)Outlook: There is still a lot to like about this Steve Asmussen runner, despite the recent runner-up effort in the Lecomte Stakes (G3). He did the dirty work in that one, and should improve as the distances get longer. 2022 Kentucky Derby Contenders: Epicenter 5. Forbidden KingdomPros: Very impressive win in the San Vicente Stakes (G2); tremendous trainer Cons: Unproven around two turnsOutlook: There is no doubt this horse took a major step forward in his San Vicente Stakes (G2) victory. Now, he must show he can do that around two turns in his next challenge, which will likely be the San Felipe Stakes (G2). 2022 Kentucky Derby Contenders: Forbidden Kingdom 6. NewgrangePros: Three straight wins; speed figures are close to what the top group has earnedCons: Didn’t take a step forward in the Southwest Stakes (G3) Outlook: There is nothing wrong with being three for three, but he didn’t look flashy in the Southwest Stakes (G3), even though it was a gritty win. He did not seem to like that track at all, which played a factor. 2022 Kentucky Derby Contenders: Newgrange 7. Jack Christopher Pros: Most talented horse in the crop so farCons: Sprinter pedigree; injured before the Breeders’ CupOutlook: After watching several replays, he looks to be the most talented, but distance is a major question mark. He’ll be behind schedule a bit as well with an injury, which is an increasing concern with each passing week.8. Slow Down AndyPros: Improved greatly in his last start; distance pedigreeCons: Other than 1 race, he’s looked extremely averageOutlook: If his Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) win wasn’t a fluke and he can build off of that effort, then he will be a factor. 9. Mo DonegalPros: Excellent pedigree; victory going longCons: Unimpressive speed figures; Remsen winner hasn’t done much in a long time on the Derby Trail. Outlook: His Remsen Stakes (G2) win was workman-like, and while that race hasn’t produced much on the Derby Trail, it was still a solid win.10. American Icon Pros: Impressive debut victory, Todd PletcherCons: Lack of experience, no races around two turns yetOutlook: He was awesome on debut, but how will he do when he moves up the ladder? That will be the big question. 2022 Kentucky Derby Contenders: American Icon New: free sports picks for all the biggest games in the NFL, NCAA, NHL, NBA, and more! Cash Big At The Kentucky Derby With Us There’s a reason we’re the #1 trusted source for premium racing picks & info. Find Out Why 11. MessierPros: Stakes winner; Bob BaffertCons: Recent loss not a good lookOutlook: Losing as the heavy favorite is never a good thing, so we’ll see if he can bounce back from a runner-up effort in the Los Alamitos Derby (G2). 2022 Kentucky Derby Contenders: Messier 12. Rattle N RollPros: Impressive victories going two turns; Grade 1 winnerCons: An injury has him behind scheduleOutlook: He has the talent, but the key will be how quickly he can get healthy and get back on the track. 13. Make It BigPros: Undefeated in three starts, all victories were decisive Cons: Class remains a question markOutlook: He passed his first test with flying colors, shipping to Remington Park and winning the Springboard Mile Stakes. He earned an 84 Beyer for the victory, which is solid for that time of year. 2022 Kentucky Derby Contenders: Make It Big 14. Call Me MidnightPros: Solid victory in the Lecomte Stakes (G3); Solid trainerCons: Several losses on the resume; running style Outlook: He threw his name into the hat with an impressive victory in the Lecomte Stakes (G3); however, his running style of coming from behind will always leave him with a lot to do. 2022 Kentucky Derby Contenders: Call Me Midnight 15. ZandonPros: Solid in both of his starts so far; should improve Cons: Low speed figuresOutlook: His runner-up effort in the Remsen Stakes (G2) was impressive considering it was his first time going two turns. If he can improve, he might be one that can rise up the rankings. 16. PappacapPros: Consistent runner; Grade 2 winnerCons: Four clear losses when running against solid competitionOutlook: He seems like the type that will hit the board in a lot of races, but might not be good enough to win one of the big ones. Until proven otherwise, that is how we’re going to label him. 17. SimplificationPros: Earned solid speed figure in recent win; has a distance pedigree Cons: Has been inconsistent; hasn’t faced much yetOutlook: His impressive Mucho Macho Man Stakes victory puts him on the map; however, he must prove he can do it against better horses and around two turns. 2022 Kentucky Derby Contenders: Simplification 18. Chasing TimePros: Impressive win going two turns; solid pedigreeCons: Speed figures are still lowOutlook: He made a name for himself with an impressive win against allowance runners at Oaklawn Park. Now, he will likely go to the Rebel Stakes (G2), where he will have to prove he can do it against tougher competition. 2022 Kentucky Derby Contenders: Chasing Time 19. PinehurstPros: Only one loss; showed improvement in 2022 debut despite a loss Cons: Two-turns still a major question mark.Outlook: Even though he lost, his runner-up effort in the San Vicente Stakes (G2) was encouraging. Now, we need to see him do it going two-turns.20. Doppelganger Pros: Solid debut effort at Los Alamitos Cons: Off the board finish against stakes horses Outlook: This horse looked pretty professional on debut, sitting a little off the pace, and then pouncing late for an easy debut victory. However, he didn’t look nearly as good in the San Vicente Stakes (G2), but that race could have been a little short for him. He’s still a player until we see him around two-turns. 2022 Kentucky Derby Contenders: Doppelganger
College Football Week 11 and NFL Week 10 Picks | Dudes Who Bet Sports 214 Aaron & Papa Dude give their College Football picks for… Read More
Official Breeders’ Cup 2024 Picks | Blinkers Off 692 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for the 41st… Read More
Jon White Breeders’ Cup 2024 Interview and Picks | Blinkers Off 691 The Racing Dudes interview Jon White, former Santa Anita, Del… Read More
Breeders’ Cup Classic and Football Picks | Dudes Who Bet Sports 213 Aaron & Papa Dude give their College Football picks for… Read More
Breeders’ Cup 2024 Pre-Entries Analysis | Blinkers Off 690 The Racing Dudes dive into the 2024 Breeders’ Cup pre-entries… Read More
Breeders’ Cup 2024 Top 5 Performances Aaron gives his Top 5 Breeders’ Cup performances from the… Read More
Who is the 2024 3-Year-Old Male of the Year? Aaron gives his thoughts on who should be the 2024… Read More
College Football Week 11 and NFL Week 10 Picks | Dudes Who Bet Sports 214 Aaron & Papa Dude give their College Football picks for… Read More