Kentucky Derby 2012: Biggest Questions Facing Favorites at Churchill Downs

The 2012 Kentucky Derby is shaping up to be as wide open a Triple Crown race as any that's yet been run at Churchill Downs. No less than half the field has high hopes for crossing the finish line first at Saturday's "Run for the Roses."

But the nature of the race is as much a product of the overall quality of the participants as it is of the flaws that dog each and every one, particularly those who stand as the favorites of the oddsmakers.

Bodemeister

Take Bodemeister, for instance. At 4/1, there's a lot to like about this Bob Baffert product, most notably the fact that he's the son of the great Empire Maker.

A victory by nine lengths at the Arkansas Derby doesn't hurt his case either.

Experience, though, is a huge concern for Bodemeister. He didn't start running until he turned three, has only run four times since then and has never run against a field of more than 11 competitors. His preference for running with a lead could be a problem, as well, though starting from post 6 should help him in that regard.

Union Rags

Union Rags is an excellent bet to finish in the top three on Saturday, given that he's never finished lower than third in his racing career.

That being said, a second-place performance at the Breeders' Cup and a third-place finish at the Florida Derby raised some questions about his desire and determination down the stretch in big races.

Can Union Rags, a 9/2 favorite, put those races behind him and show a stronger nose for the finish line? Or will he simply settle for a spot on the board, rather than a full bouquet?

Gemologist

Morning odds of 6/1 and a perfect five-for-five in runs make Gemologist a diamond in the rough.

Albeit a big, shiny, obvious diamond in a small patch of rough.

He's a talented and versatile colt with the speed and stamina to put some space between himself and the field throughout.

The question is, will he stretch that lead once he has it or will he rest on his laurels and allow everyone else to catch up? That nearly happened at the Wood Memorial, when Alpha gave him a late challenge.

Then again, the fact that Gemologist is able to build such big leads in the first place should signal what a good choice he is to be the first to cross the finish line at Churchill Downs.

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