Kentucky Derby Favorites 2012: Speed Specialists You Must Bet on

Often times, the Kentucky Derby winner isn't necessarily the best horse with the best odds, but it's the horse that benefits most from pace.

Certain horses will quickly get out in front, and that will have a trickle-down effect on the whole field. Some will enjoy the pace, and some favorites will fall too far behind to make a dramatic comeback in the final stretch.

It's all about pace. 

Here's a look at which horses will establish that all-important pace with a quick start—and even a few that could surprise people if the start holds. 

Gemologist 

Unlike some of the other favorites, Gemologist is extremely fast and will benefit from a quickened pace.

The unbeaten colt is two-for-two at Churchill Downs and is coming off a race that saw him register a career-best 102 BRIS Speed rating. 

What's more, Gemologist, unlike some of the other sprinters in this field, is bred perfectly for a long-distance race like the Kentucky Derby. In his last race, a one-and-one-eighth mile race, Gemologist beat out fellow Derby-hopeful Alpha. 

I'm sold. 

Take Charge Indy

Take Charge Indy has been fairly inconsistent throughout his career, but he's coming off an impressive win at the Grade 1 Florida Derby, a race in which he beat out Union Rags, a favorite at Churchill Downs. 

This horse—jockeyed by former Derby winner Calvin Borel—is so inconsistent because he relies heavily on speed. 

The colt has registered BRIS Speed ratings of 104 and 109, which is incredibly impressive, but it's unknown whether or not he can keep it up for the full length of the Kentucky Derby. 

If he gets off to a good enough start, it's likely this 16-to-1 long shot can create enough distance with his speed that any comeback will be impossible. 

Trinniberg

If you're looking for a big-time long shot, take Trinniberg (45/1).

The young colt, who was added to the field as a late entrant, can be absolutely explosive out of the gate. If he gets a clean break, there's no question Trinniberg will lead after the first turn. 

He's won his last two races, but those were easy Grade 3 races and much shorter (seven furlongs) than the Kentucky Derby.

He's never raced a long distance, but he will certainly lead the pack for a while. It's at least worth a shot betting on this speedster to somehow hold on to the lead. 

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