2022 Triple Crown Betting Predictions Update: Will Rich Strike Achieve the TC After Derby Win?

On Saturday, May 7, one of the biggest upsets in Kentucky Derby history happened when Rich Strike, who drew into the race off the also-eligible list on Friday, ran up the rail to upset two of the favorites, Epicenter and Zandon and win the roses. Rich Strike heads to Pimlico the only horse in the field with a shot to win the Kentucky Derby. Will the former claimer win the most coveted prize in American thoroughbred racing? Check out reasons why Rich Strike takes the TC, why he won’t and whether we will have a Triple Crown in 2022 so you can make your bets against the Triple Crown Odds. 

After Rich Strike Won at the KY Derby Will 2022 have a Triple Crown? | Horse Racing Odds and Picks

Triple Crown of Horse Racing

• When: May 7 – June 11

Reasons Rich Strike will win the Triple Crown

Don’t let the $30,000 maiden claiming victory fool you. Rich Strike is bred to be a champion. Keen Ice upset American Pharoah to win the Travers Stakes in 2015.

Rich Strike’s mom was Canada’s three-year-old filly champ. Not only that, but Calumet Farm, Rich Strike’s original owners, ran the horse in a $51,000 maiden special weight on the turf before giving up on him and running him in the $30k claimer.

So the horse has the goods to win the Triple Crown. 

Reasons Rich Strike won’t win the Triple Crown

The first quarter-mile was under 22 seconds. The half-mile went in a shade over 45 seconds. Under 22 seconds in a 6 furlong race is quick. 

Under 22 seconds and under 45 seconds in a 1 mile and a quarter horse race is blazing. So the pace set up Rich Strike’s deep closing run. 

The Derby won’t get the same pace set up. We must also question the horse’s breeding. Yes, Keen Ice upset American Pharoah to win the Travers, but Keen Ice bills $7,500 to cover a mare. 

That doesn’t scream Triple Crown breeding. 

Bottom Line: Will we have a Triple Crown in 2022?

Anybody questioning Rich Strike’s pedigree doesn’t know horse racing. The runner has the ability to sprint if required. 

Rich Strike’s mother, Gold Strike, is out of Smart Strike. Smart Strike is one of the most important producers of sprinters and route horses the U.S. has seen this century. 

Gold Strike won the Selene Stakes and Woodbine Oaks. She’s as quality of broodmare as you’re going to find.

Almost as important? Rich Strike broke his maiden at a one-turn mile at Churchill Downs by 17 lengths, and Rich broke the maiden by taking the lead at the second-call.

So there’s a reason to believe the horse has the ability to not only close from the clouds, but to also run much closer to the pace than anyone believes. Also, and we mustn’t look past this fact for sure, Rich Strike’s breeding suggests he’ll have no problem running 1 ½ miles.

The Kentucky Derby winner may be getting good at the right time. Don’t think for a moment Rich Strike can’t put together a couple of more excellent performances. The Run for the Roses winner is legit and has a real shot of winning the Triple Crown.  

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