Kentucky Derby 2012: Odds, Contenders to Bet on at Churchill Downs
The "most exciting two minutes in sports" is right around the corner as the contenders for the Kentucky Derby start to take shape.
This race at Churchill Downs is the first leg of the Triple Crown and is the most popular horse race in the country.
No horse has won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes since Affirmed in 1978, but the field of 21 horses might include the next on the list.
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Of the large field of competitors, a few have separated themselves as early favorites for this prestigious race.
Bodemeister
Any horse trained by Bob Baffert has an automatic advantage from the start, and Bodemeister is no different.
He only has two career races, but proved to be very fast with a win at the Arkansas Derby.
Even with his lack of experience you cannot argue with pure speed.
Gemologist
There are no competitors that have as much positive experience on the track at Churchill Downs than Gemologist.
With jockey Javier Castellano, the horse already has two victories on the track over some pretty good competition.
He has a habit of getting out to early leads, which might hurt in the long run, but he has the skill to stay in the lead and leave with a victory.
Union Rags
The young horse has already had an up-and-down career, winning a number of races but finishing second at the Breeders' Cup and third in the Florida Derby.
However, the experience in large races should help in this loaded contest.
Trainer Michael Matz knows what it takes to win the Kentucky Derby as he led Barbaro to victory in 2006. If he can get the same magic going for Union Rags, this horse has what it takes to turn some heads.
| Alpha | 14/1 |
| Bodemeister | 5/1 |
| Creative Cause | 12/1 |
| Daddy Long Legs | 35/1 |
| Daddy Nose Best | 20/1 |
| Done Talking | 30/1 |
| Dullahan | 10/1 |
| El Padrino | 16/1 |
| Gemologist | 7/1 |
| Hansen | 14/1 |
| Hero of Order | 85/1 |
| I'll Have Another | 16/1 |
| Liaison | 35/1 |
| Mark Valeski | 25/1 |
| Optimizer | 85/1 |
| Prospective | 50/1 |
| Rousing Sermon | 45/1 |
| Sabercat | 35/1 |
| Take Charge Indy | 16/1 |
| Trinniberg | 50/1 |
| Union Rags | 5/1 |
| Went The Day Well | 20/1 |
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