Kentucky Derby 2012: Favorites Who'll Trap Bettors

The Kentucky Derby is here once again to amaze even fair-weather horse racing fans. It will also serve to frustrate bettors who feel they have a handle on the situation. 

This is an amazing field, for the simple fact that parity abounds. There is no one horse that anyone in the field should be comfortable with. 

There is slightly more than a handful of thoroughbreds that wouldn't surprise me if they won the whole thing. Here is a brief breakdown of some horses that should give you pause before you lay down hard-earned money prior to Saturday's race.  

Gemologist

The horse is massive and he has great cruising speed. He is the talent that has had everything given to him, and there is no telling what Gemologist will do when pushed and prodded by other stars of the field. 

The undefeated record speaks volumes to his talent—which is immense—but the Kentucky Derby will be no cake walk. 

There are a few speed demons such as Trinniberg that will get out early, giving Gemologist and tough prospect from the very start. I am not sold on his personality finishing off this field. 

Union Rags

I am not a fan of Union Rags coming out of the No. 4 post, simply for who he is surrounded by. There is a chance that Union Rags hangs back, but that is more likely the case for Dullahan, a strong closer. 

There is hardly a more complete horse in the field, I just sense a great deal of misfortune coming out of the gates and shoved in the middle of a fight with a couple of favorites. 

I see Union Rags getting lost in the mix. 

Trinniberg

Let's go the other way with this final pick. 

Every last person handicapping the race has Trinniberg starting with a blaze and fading fast right after. He runs hot and hasn't run this long of a race ever. 

That means his endurance will be tested, but Bisnath Parboo is sold on his horse taking the race. The Washington Post reports he is training well, ready to shock us all. 

I am confident he will run a lot better than we all expect. 

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