Kentucky Derby 2012: Bodemeister Is Safe Pick to Finish in Top 3

Bodemeister is peaking at the right time, and that makes the colt a great pick to finish in the top three at the Kentucky Derby.

After a second place finish at San Felipe in March, Bodemeister followed that solid performance with a winning one. He finished first at the Arkansas Derby earlier this month.

It was a substantial win, and very telling in a few ways. First, it was on a longer track; the one and one-eighth mile run was a bit longer than the track at San Felipe.

This race gradually prepares the horses to run the Derby, which is one and a quarter mile. Bodemeister proved he gets stronger as the race goes on and that extra quick should serve him well at Churchill Downs.

He displayed an extra gear that blew away the Arkansas Derby field by nine and a half lengths.

This horse is ready to perform at the Kentucky Derby.

It really is no surprise considering who his trainer is. Bob Baffert has trained three Derby winners, including back-to-back winners in 1997 and 1998.

His horses have won two-thirds of the Triple Crown on four different occasions.

This horse seems to carry a special place for Baffert. He is named after his son Bode and up to this point, the colt has to have made his trainer proud.

Bodemeister still has more to offer. Expect a very strong finish and if he starts well, he just may give Baffert his fourth Derby winner.

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