Kentucky Derby Picks 2012: Horses That Will Make Late Charge at Churchill Downs

It's not how you start. It's how you finish.

Heading into the 2012 Kentucky Derby, there are several contenders who have the style and talent to make a late run at Churchill Downs. 

It's the 138th annual Kentucky Derby, and it promises to be an electric ending. Here are three horses I see flying down the stretch on Saturday.

3. Gemologist

Gemologist is unbeaten in five career starts. That's what you need to know right off the bat. But the three-year-old has looked even stronger in 2012 and is in a good position to make a run at the victory. His performance at Wood Memorial Stakes was impressive, and he's well-rested. Trainer Todd Pletcher won the Kentucky Derby two years ago with Super Saver. 

2. Creative Cause

Creative Cause has never finished out of the money in eight career starts. He's one of the most consistent horses in the field. He also won the San Felipe Stakes in March and was barely nosed in April at the Santa Anita Derby. Creative Cause isn't the type of horse to let the rest of the pack gain too much distance.

1. Bodemeister

Bodemeister is the favorite heading into the Derby, and for good reason. He has the speed and stamina to not only win the Derby, but win the Triple Crown. There's a lot being made about him being unraced at two years old, but Bob Baffert knows what he's doing, and that was evident in Bodemeister's victory at the Arkansas Derby. Given Bodemeister won by 9 1/2 lengths at the Arkansas Derby, it's safe to say he will fly down the stretch on Saturday.

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