Kentucky Derby 2012: Gemologist and More Smart Horses to Bet at Churchill Downs

The 2012 Kentucky Derby will run on Saturday, thus beginning the first leg of the Triple Crown.

It’s the start of an exciting season for horse racing enthusiasts and gamblers alike, and there will be a ton of action starting with the "Run for the Roses."

With so many horses in the field this Saturday at Churchill Downs, it can be overwhelming to pick out just a few to bet on. Here are three safe picks if you need some guidance.

Dullahan, 8/1

This horse is 2-for-2 on Keeneland’s Polytrack, but has yet to garner a win anywhere else. If he is going to win at Churchill, he’ll need to quickly adjust to the dirt and dig in.

Remember though, Dullahan’s brother, Mine that Bird, won the Derby back in 2009, and he clearly has the pedigree required to take first.

Gemologist, 7/1

If you like proven winners, Gemologist is your horse in this race. He’s 5-for-5 since starting his short, but exciting career and has yet to be bested.

There is no reason to think that this colt will slow down and get bested by the competition, especially when it’s been noted that he has gotten faster with each victory.

Union Rags, 9/2

Rags, along with Bodemeister, is the favorite to win the roses and cross the finish line first.

If the jockey can put the horse in position to win, it’s simply going to close out this race and cross the finish line first. He’s done it in the past and will do it on Saturday.