2022 Kentucky Derby Trifecta, Superfecta & Exacta Betting Picks and Analysis

The best way to play the trifecta, superfecta, and exacta in any horse race, not just the Kentucky Derby, is to use a key horse. By using a key horse, you can ensure you control how much you invest into each ticket. Check out Kentucky Derby exacta, trifecta, and superfecta picks so you can get all set to place your bets against the Kentucky Derby Odds. 

Horse Racing Odds: Kentucky Derby Trifecta, Superfecta & Exacta Betting Picks

2022 Kentucky Derby

• When: Saturday, May 7
• Where: Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
• TV/Streaming: NBC / Peacock

Kentucky Derby Trifecta, Superfecta & Exacta Picks

• Derby Key Horse: 1-Mo Donegal

Mo Donegal is the perfect key horse. The Uncle Mo sired and Wood Memorial winning runner should have no trouble breaking from post-position 1 now that Churchill Downs has ditched the auxiliary gate and gone to a single gate.

Mo will break about 3 to 4 paths away from the rail. So jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., who has yet to win the Kentucky Derby, should have no trouble getting the Todd Pletcher trainee into a good position around the first turn. 

• Derby Exacta Play: 3-Epicenter, 6-Messier, 10-Zandon, 12-Taiba

Epicenter and Zandon are the two chalks. Both have run great heading into the race. It makes sense to add both favorites to your exacta ticket. 

Messier and Taiba finished second and first in the Santa Anita Derby. Both can win this race. 

Exacta Betting Tips

Make sure to reverse your exacta bet for less. So if you play a $6 exacta with your key horse on top of 3 other horses, reverse for $4, $3, or $2. By reverse we mean place your 3 horses in first slot with your key horse in second.  

Kentucky Derby Trifecta Play

• Trifecta Slot 1: 1-Mo Donegal
• Trifecta Slot 2:  3-Epicenter, 6-Messier, 10-Zandon, 12-Taiba
• Trifecta Slot 3:  3-Epicenter, 6-Messier, 8-Charge It, 10-Zandon, 11-Pioneer of Medina, 12-Taiba, 13-Simplification, 19-Zozos

Add no more than 4 other horses in your trifecta. You could decide to push the all button in the trifecta, but it’s going to cost more than you realize because there are 4 horses in slot 2.

By adding just 4 horses, you can keep your investment low. The four horses we like on our ticket are Charge It, the Tapit sired runner that finished in the Florida Derby, Pioneer of Medina, which trainer Todd Pletcher believes can step it up on May 7, Simplification, who can run close to the pace or well off, and Zozos, who should be a part of the pace and will have a shot to finish in the tri as they turn for home. 

Trifecta Betting Tips

How many trifecta tickets you play depends on how much you like your key horse. If you love your key horse, go for it by placing your key horse in all 3 trifecta slots.

If you’re not so sure, keep your money in your pocket or play a single trifecta ticket with your horse on top and hope for the best. 

Kentucky Derby Superfecta Play

• Superfecta Slot 1: Mo Donegal
• Superfecta Slot 2:  3-Epicenter, 6-Messier, 10-Zandon, 12-Taiba
• Superfecta Slot 3:  3-Epicenter, 6-Messier, 10-Zandon, 12-Taiba
• Superfecta Slot 4:  3-Epicenter, 6-Messier, 8-Charge It, 10-Zandon, 11-Pioneer of Medina, 12-Taiba, 13-Simplification, 19-Zozos

Superfecta Betting Tips

When it comes to the Kentucky Derby, it’s best to play a single super ticket. Playing more than one can cost you more money than you may want to invest.

Hitting the super is ultra-difficult in a race with 20 horses. So don’t overthink it, roll with the ponies you like to fill out your trifecta, use your exacta key horse and cross your fingers.  

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?

Bet Kentucky Derby Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the races

Kentucky Derby Betting Center

---

Get your Updated Kentucky Derby Betting Odds here!