Kentucky Derby 2012 Post Positions: Best Bets for Derby Favorites

The Kentucky Derby post positions have finally been revealed, meaning you can expect plenty of odds to change based on each horse's gate location.

The draw has the ability to make or break the Churchill Downs race for a horse. It can also alter the odds a little bit, although it's unlikely to have much affect on the favorites' prices this year.

With the draw made (you can find a complete list here), here's a look at those fancied to win the two most exciting minutes in sport. 

Bodemeister (4-1)

For some reason, Bodemeister, who is coming off an impressive win at the Arkansas Derby (Grade 1), is being slightly underrated. 

Bob Baffert's horse is extremely fast, has experience at the 1 1/8th-mile distance and has a solid post position (No. 6).

At 4-1, Bodemeister doesn't exactly provide a huge payoff or give you a ton of excitement, but he's too good to pass up. At the very least, pick him to place or show in your trifecta. 

Union Rags (9-2)

Union Rags is coming off a very disappointing third-place finish in the Florida Derby (Take Charge Indy, another horse you should pay close attention to, won that race), but he finished first in four of his five races before that.

Despite coming in on a sour note, Union Rags is fast and has plenty of experience with long-distance races. He is, in short, the perfect bounce-back candidate. 

Coming out of the fourth position, this speedy sort has a good chance at establishing the early pace. Just don't be surprised if he rides at the front of that pace to the final turn. 

Gemologist (6-1)

In one of the more bizarre stories of the season, Gemologist and trainer Todd Pletcher continue to be overlooked. 

They have solid odds, sure, but it seems to me like no one is paying attention to this horse—he's undefeated, for goodness sake. 

Not only is Gemologist five-for-five, but he is coming off an impressive win at Wood Memorial (Grade 1) and is two-for-two at Churchill Downs.

Throw in his position (No. 15), which is perfect placement for this speedy horse, and you have a horse everyone should be betting on. 

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