By Si Chapin

Posted May 6, 2022 at 12:15 p.m. ET

Been doing the Derby for 65 years now, and this one of my 5 star days of the year. It gets the blood flowing. It's like going shopping with your wife the day before Christmas with MANY doors to open and you never know which one holds the answer. LETS GO SHOPPING!

SELECTIONS

#6 MESSIER (8-1) Velazquez/Yakteen
He has the full package: speed,stamina ,and breeding to WIN. The son of Empire maker comes to CD in peak condition The pace and pressure style set him up perfectly to bring home the ROSES.

#5 SMILE HAPPY (20-1) Lanerie/McPeek
Had a really strong prep in the Blue Grass. He is very underrated and will be a head turner as he shoots to the finish line as a double digit LONGSHOT.

#10 ZANDON (3-1) Pratt/Brown
He is a strong closer and it looks like a fast pace will be set up at a projected 1 :10 2/5. This should be good for this style of a runner.

#1 MO DONEGAL (10-1) I. Ortiz/Pletcher
Mo has the dreaded #1 post that has not won the Derby since Ferdinand did it in 1986. Pletcher has Irad Ortiz, Jr. to guide Mo and keep him out of trouble as horses crowd in toward the rail.

#13  SIMPLIFICATION  (20-1) J. Ortiz/Sano 
Ran well in the Florida Derby. Been in the money six out of seven times in his career. Has a very talented rider, Jose Ortiz, who will get everything possible out of him.

#19 ZOZ0S  (12-1) Franco/Cox
Appears to be Cox's top Derby entry . Not a great post, but it may keep him out of trouble, and he may sneak in at the finish.

Have a great day,and bring home some CASH!

Si Chapin