Kentucky Derby 2012: Where Do the Top Contenders Stand?

Tomorrow is the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby, and Bodemeister is favored the win the historic, mile-and-a-quarter race at Churchill Downs.

Bodemeister is at 4-1 odds to win the race that is billed as the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports. Here is a quick look at the top contenders for America's Race.

Bodemeister

Odds: 4-1

Position: 6

Jockey: Mike E. Smith

Outlook: The sixth position has yielded six winners since 1900, and Smith already has won the race with Giacomo in 2005. Bodemeister never raced as a two-year-old, and no horse has won the Kentucky Derby without racing as a two-year-old since 1882.

Union Rags

Odds: 9-2

Position: 4

Jockey: Julien R. Leparoux

Outlook: History bodes well for Union Rags' position, as the No. 4 post has produced the second-most Kentucky Derby winners since 1900 with 10.

However, no horse from the No. 4 slot has won the race since Seattle Slew in 1977.

Gemologist

Odds: 6-1

Position: 15

Jockey: Javier J. Castellano

Outlook: Gemologist is a hot pick to win the race based on his position. If he gets off to a fast start, he could shoot to the inside early and hold that position for the duration of the race. Gemologist's trainer, Todd Pletcher, trained 2010 winner Super Saver.

Dullahan

Odds: 8-1

Position: 5

Jockey: Kent J. Desormeaux

Outlook: Desormeaux has won three Kentucky Derby titles, with his latest coming in 2008 with Big Brown. He also won in 1998 with Real Quiet and in 2000 with Fusaichi Pegasus. Dullahan's post has produced 12 Derby winners, the most since 1900.

Take Charge Indy

Odds: 10-1

Position: 3

Jockey: Calvin H. Borel

Outlook: Borel won back-to-back Kentucky Derby titles with Mine That Bird in 2009 and with Super Saver in 2010. He also took the crown in 2007 with Street Sense. Take Charge Indy is coming off a first-place finish at the Florida Derby. Chances are that his odds will drop tomorrow morning before the race.

Prediction: Gemologist