Want to 'bet the gray' in the 2022 Kentucky Derby? There are 3 horses to consider

This is not the story for expert Kentucky Derby betting analysis.

Speed figures, post positions, past performances and pedigree are all more important factors in making your Derby bet than anything you will read here. But if you are willing to throw a few dollars on a chance, then maybe you’re willing to follow the “bet the gray” strategy used by many amateurs at the betting window.

If so, there are three horses for your consideration in the 2022 Derby field.

Kentucky Derby: Why your horse can and can't win the 2022 Kentucky Derby

Keep in mind, no gray or roan horse has won the Derby since Giacomo in 2005. Since then, 33 gray or roan horses have run in the Derby. Of that group, just four horses even finished on the board: Steppenwolfer (3rd, 2006), Eight Belles (2nd, 2008), Paddy O’Prado (3rd, 2010) and Essential Quality (3rd, 2021).

Last year, Essential Quality crossed the finish line fourth as the first gray favorite in the race since 1996. The disqualification of Medina Spirit elevated Essential Quality to third, but that did not change the outcome for bettors.

The good news for gray horse enthusiasts this year is if the strategy works, it should come with a decent payday. Only one of the eight gray or roan winners of the Derby did so as the favorite, so perhaps the chances are actually better for gray bettors this year.

Here is what you need to know about the three gray or roan horses in the field with their morning-line odds.

Kentucky Derby: Get to know the trainers who will have horses running in the race

White Abarrio (10-1)

The winner of the Grade 1 Florida Derby, White Abarrio is 4-0-1 in five career starts. All four of White Abarrio’s wins came at Gulfstream Park. His lone loss came in November at Churchill downs in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, where he finished behind two other horses in the Derby field. For gray horse bettors, White Abarrio gets extra points for including a reference to his light gray coloring in his name.

Charge It (20-1)

Charge It finished second behind White Abarrio in his last race in the Florida Derby. All three of his career races – he is 1-2-0 – have come at Gulfstream Park. Trainer Todd Pletcher has won the Derby twice before (Super Saver, 2010, and Always Reaming, 2017). Jockey Luis Saez crossed the finish line first on Maximum Security in 2019 but was disqualified for interference in the second turn. Charge It likes to run at or near the front early, which could help his chances if rain leads to a wet track.

Barber Road (30-1)

With just two wins in eight career starts, it seems unlikely that Barber Road will win the Derby, but he has never finished worse than fourth. His last victory did come at Churchill Downs in November in a starter allowance. He finished second in his last start in the Arkansas Derby. Both Barber Road’s trainer, John Ortiz, and jockey, Reylu Gutierrez, are set for their first Derby.

Kentucky Derby 2022: Meet the jockeys who will be riding in the 148th Run for the Roses

Gray/Roan winners of past Kentucky Derbys

• Giacomo (2005)

• Monarchos (2001)

• Silver Charm (1997)

• Winning Colors (1988)

• Gato Del Sol (1982)

• Spectacular Bid (1979)

• Decidedly (1962)

• Determine (1954)

Email Jon Hale at jahale@courier-journal.com; Follow him on Twitter at @JonHale_CJ.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Derby gray horses: White Abarrio, Charge It, Barber Road