Kentucky Derby 2012: Odds and Predictions for Top Horses in Race

The 2012 Kentucky Derby is less than a week away and it’s definitely not too early to start thinking about which pony you are going to play.

Over the past few years, the long shots have come away with some pretty impressive victories, but the odds are that will change soon.

Here’s a look at some of the favorites, their odds and a prediction on how they will fare.

Odds current as of 4/30 thanks to KentuckyDerby.info.

Bodemeister – 9/2

It’s crazy to think that only one horse has won the Run for the Roses in the 137-year history of the event without racing as a two-year-old. That was way back in 1882 and it doesn’t seem like that streak will end, even though Bodemeister is the favorite.

He’s got the speed and pedigree to pull this off, but he’d be shaking 120 years of history.

Prediction: 4^th or Later

Union Rags – 9/2

Rags has done extremely well in his races leading up to the Derby. He won the Florida Derby on March 31, placed second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile back in November of last year and won the Champagne at Belmont Park last October.

This horse is simply due for a big win, but cannot catch a break. He has the speed to take and hold a lead for the 1-¼ mile race, but not the heart.

Prediction: Place

Gemologist – 7/1

Gemologist is 5 for 5 since starting out in September of 2011, with two of those wins coming at Churchill Downs. He’s a great bet to win this thing and the inexperienced horse is only improving his speed with each run.

Prediction: Win

Dullahan – 8/1

It took Dullahan five starts to actually win a race and only two winners of the Derby since 1955 have taken four or more starts to garner their first victory.

Again, this is another bet to avoid if you are superstitious and like to side with history over the horse, because Dullahan actually looks dangerous.

Prediction: 4^th or Later