Kentucky Derby 2012 Horses: Breaking Down Best Names Race Has to Offer

Handicapping the Kentucky Derby is an inexact science, which makes a lot of people make picks based on a horse's name rather than their past performance or odds. It's another thing that makes derby day unique and appealing to so many people.

With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the best names this year's marquee race has to offer. For a complete look at the field and morning line odds, click here.

Rousing Sermon

New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow doesn't strike me as a betting man, but if he was, there's no doubt where his money would be going on Saturday. Rousing Sermon will start from a promising position and could be a solid sleeper selection.

After all, at the end of a rousing sermon in church, there is always plenty of emotion and that's exactly what it takes to win a race. With 20 horses in the field, you need the early explosiveness that a great speech would provide.

Rousing Sermon has finished in the money on eight occasions in nine races. He's certainly a long shot, but there are far worse values on the board.

I'll Have Another

Talk about a confusing name for the people working at derby parties on Saturday. Is the drunk guy in the corner asking for another drink or talking about the popular 12-1 horse breaking from gate No. 19? Either way, I'll Have Another will be a common phrase on derby day.

With three wins in five career starts, including both of his starts in 2012, I'll Have Another isn't a bad pick, either. The only issue is starting on the outside, where few horses have had success over the years due to the extra work to get toward the rail.

That might prevent I'll Have Another from crossing the finish line first in the derby, but the colt will still be a fan favorite at Churchill Downs.

Daddy Nose Best

While those first two names are both terrific, the clear winner of the best name competition this year goes to Daddy Nose Best. The combination of a popular saying with a little creativity goes a long way when it comes to naming horses.

The key will be figuring out if he's really a contender or if the odds are only dropping because people love his name. He has just four wins in 10 starts, but has won each of his last two times out. At 15-1, that's good value. As the odds get lower, not so much.

Playing horses based on names isn't the most efficient way to find a winner, but as long as people are having fun with it, that's all that matters. That's why Daddy Nose Best will be a popular choice.