2016 Kentucky Derby picks: Experts make their selections

2016 Kentucky Derby picks: Experts make their selections – NJ.com

Here’s a look at the Kentucky Derby predictions by horse racing reporters on the eve of the 142nd Run for the Rose at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.:

Jerry Izenberg, The Star-Ledger

Win, Exaggerator: Great workouts, great in last race and a closer

Place, Nyquist: Unbeaten is unbeaten but don’t think he can beat Suddenbreakingnews in a duel

Show, Mor Spirit: In 142 years no horse has won from Post 17, but the Baffert colt will try hard

Keith Sargeant, NJ Advance Media

Win, Nyquist: There’s not much not to like about Nyquist, who has won all seven of his starts. The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champ has proven to be versatile, rallying from off the pace and winning wire-to-wire at varying distances. Hard to see a scenario where he doesn’t hit the board, but will need to be at his best to win over the deepest field of challengers he’s faced.

Place, Lani: Coming off a rallying effort that produced a win in the $2 million UAE Derby in Dubai in March, the Japanese import clearly has the talent to be a factor and the extra distance should suit him.

Show, Suddenbreakingnews: This bay gelding has finished either first or second in seven of his eight career races, and was impressive in all three of his races this year at Oakland Park in Arkansas (the same track where American Pharoah prepped). Career-best Beyer rating in most recent race indicates that he’s still improving.

Neil Greenburg, Washington Post: Exaggerator, Gun Runner, Creator

Jonathan Lintner, Courier-Journal: Brody’s Cause, Nyquist, Gun Runner, Danzing Candy

Marty McGee, Daily Racing Form: Exaggerator, Creator, Brody’s Cause, Destin

Kentucky Derby 2016: Predicting the top 3 Will Nyquist hold up to his favorite status in the Kentucky Derby? Keith Sargeant predicts the top 3 for the 142nd edition of the Run for the Roses. (Video by Keith Sargeant | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

Ed DeRosa, Twinspires.com: Exaggerator, Mor Spirit (no show bet)

Ryan Martin, Churchill Downs: Brody’s Cause, Mohaymen, Mor Spirit

Tim Sullivan, Courier-Journal: Nyquist, Gun Runner, Shagaf

Tim Wilkin, Albany Times-Union: Mohaymen, Mor Spirit, Brody’s Cause, Nyquist

Paul Rolfes, Courier-Journal: Nyquist, Mohaymen, Brody’s Cause, Creator

Greg Hall, Barn 6A Blog: Gun Runner, Nyquist, Outwork, Mohaymen

Updated Derby odds, prop bets

Jennie Rees, Horse Racing Radio Network: Gun Runner, Creator, Brody’s Cause, Majesto

James Scully, Twinspirres.com: Mor Spirit, Gun Runner, Nyquist

Frank Angst, The Bloodhorse: Outwork, Gun Runner, Nyquist

Gabby Gaudet, Gulfstream Park: Mohaymen, Destin, Nyquist, Gun Runner

Laffin Pincay, NBC Sports: Outwork, Nyquist, Whitmore