Kentucky Derby 2012: Top Studs to Root for in Elite Race

For just over two minutes, nothing else in the sports world will matter. The massive crowd at the Kentucky Derby and a huge television audience will focus solely on the 21 elite horses and their jockeys. 

No one really knows which horse will be the first to cross the finish line; thus is the nature of horse racing. The wide open field is part of the Kentucky Derby's appeal.  

The Kentucky Derby does an amazing job of quickly building a relationship between the viewer and the horses. Whether someone favors a horse because of its name or the way the particular horse looks, there is something that compels the viewer to root for one horse in particular. 

The current favorite in this year's race is Bodemeister, whose odds to win are currently at 4/1. 

Bodemeister is favored because he demolished his opponents at the Arkansas Derby, where he won by an amazing nine lengths. Although there is no such thing as a sure thing, if Bodemeister runs his best race at the Kentucky Derby, he will have a strong chance to win.

One compelling reason to pull for Bodemeister has to do with his trainer, Bob Baffert.

Baffert had a heart attack on March 26 while at the Dubai World Cup. No one would have questioned him if he decided to walk away from the high-stress horse racing world, but he did not. 

His dedication to his passion is inspiring, and it would be a nice story to see Baffert win his fourth Kentucky Derby. 

Another horse to watch is Take Charge Indy who is ridden by none other than Calvin Borel.

Borel has guided three horses to Kentucky Derby victories and is among the best jockeys in the world.

A good jockey is invaluable as they can mean the difference between winning and losing a race.  

It is a safe to say that Borel will put Take Charge Indy in position to have a chance to win the Derby. Borel is known to ride close to the rail, thus ensuring that he doesn't lose ground. 

Take Charge Indy won the Florida Derby, and its current odds to win are 10/1. 

The live theater of the Kentucky Derby is unmatched in sports, so just sit back and enjoy a few of the best minutes in sports. 

Whether it be Bodemeister, Take Charge Indy or another horse that takes home the crown, the race is a must watch for any sports fan.