Kentucky Derby 2012: Reasons to Believe Hype About Bodemeister

Bodemeister is one of the favorites in the Kentucky Derby this Saturday. He and Union Rags are listed as the horses to beat at 9:2 odds.

There are clear reasons to support the oddsmakers' decision to thrust the colt on a pedestal.

Here are the primary reasons to believe the hype on Bodemeister.

Post Position

Bodemeister drew the sixth position, and that should set him up to be in the thick of things from the beginning of the race. He has shown the tendency to start slow to moderate, while finishing very strong in previous races.

That tendency could hurt him against such a strong field. By drawing the sixth position, he should start well.

Impressive At Arkansas Derby

Bodemeister's performance at the Arkansas Derby was simply dominant. The victory by nine and a half lengths was something to see. What was most impressive was the way Bodemeister hit his stride towards the end of the race.

That tendency leads you to believe he'll be ready to run a strong one-and-a-quarter mile at Churchill Downs.

Trending Up

Bodemeister is peaking at the right time. He finished second at San Felipe in a Grade II race. He followed that up with his impressive showing at the Arkansas Derby, which is a Grade I.

Each race represented an escalation in competition, and distance. Bodemeister's continued improvement, even as the situation gets more difficult, says to me that he is ready for the Derby.

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