The Kentucky Derby is one of the world’s most famous horse races, and this year’s lineup of horses promises to be one for the ages. With names like Essential Quality and Known Agenda in the mix, fans are eagerly anticipating the race scheduled for May 7, 2022. Here are some of the horses to watch in what promises to be a very exciting race.
Essential Quality
Essential Quality is the favorite heading into the Kentucky Derby, and with good reason. The 3-year-old colt has won all five of his starts, including the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and the Grade 2 Blue Grass Stakes. Trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Luis Saez, Essential Quality has the speed and stamina to win the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
Medina Spirit
Medina Spirit is another top contender in the Kentucky Derby lineup. Trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by John Velazquez, Medina Spirit won the Grade 3 Sham Stakes and the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes earlier this year. Although he finished second in his most recent start, the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, Medina Spirit has the talent to pull off an upset in the Kentucky Derby.
Known Agenda
Known Agenda is a 3-year-old colt trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. He won the Grade 1 Florida Derby in March, and has been training well in the weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Known Agenda has the ability to close well in the stretch and could surprise some of the more highly touted horses in the race.
Rock Your World
Rock Your World is a 3-year-old colt trained by John Sadler and ridden by Joel Rosario. He won the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby in April, and has shown excellent speed in his brief career. If Rock Your World can maintain his pace over the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby, he has a chance to win it all.
Hot Rod Charlie
Hot Rod Charlie is a 3-year-old colt trained by Doug O’Neill and ridden by Flavien Prat. He finished a strong second in the Grade 1 Louisiana Derby in March, and followed that up with a win in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby in April. Although he has yet to win a Grade 1 race, Hot Rod Charlie has shown the potential to upset some of the Kentucky Derby favorites.
Conclusion
The 2022 Kentucky Derby promises to be one of the most exciting horse races of the year. Essential Quality, Medina Spirit, Known Agenda, Rock Your World, and Hot Rod Charlie are just a few of the horses to watch in what should be a closely contested race. Who will come out on top? Tune in on May 7th to find out!
