Kentucky Derby 2012: Which Horses Are the Experts Predicting to Win It All

It would be nice to know exactly what will go down at the 2012 Kentucky Derby. The following expert predictions are as close as we will come. 

From the biggest horse-racing aficionados to the fair-weather fans who merely like the spectacle, having a good hold on the field makes things all the more enjoyable. 

The following are some picks from the great minds that cover the sport. 

What is quite clear is contender Union Rags is the horse that most are comfortable going with in the latest running at Churchill Downs. 

The New York Times looks to John Drape, who called last year's winner, Animal Kingdom, despite 21-1 odds. He likes the horses to finish as Union Rags, Creative Cause and Went The Day Well in that order.  

What of the other contenders? He has Bodemeister and Gemologist just out of the running, not able to quite contend with the horse he loves right now, Union Rags, writing:

"

This stalker has won four of six and was impressive in two narrow defeats. He looks like a star.

"

The Courier-Journal gets a little more democratic with its assessment. The paper have compiled nine local minds for their power rankings and have concluded the finish as Union Rags, Creative Cause and then Gemologist. 

Washington Post columnist Andrew Beyer loves Bodemeister for this race and beyond. He would love the thoroughbred to be the star of his generation to generate some buzz around this fine sport. After that, he is intrigued by Daddy Nose Best to break late. 

The official page of the Kentucky Derby has tallied its experts' thoughts and has a very clear winner in Union Rags. 

The popular favorite would be followed by Creative Cause and I'll Have Another. While this is a wide-open field, it's clear that most experts have Union Rags as their horse of the weekend. 

That's interesting because Beyer states in his video that Union Rags isn't that great of a finisher and he seems none too excited about his prospects. 

As you can see, it's Union Rags by a landslide. That is if you believe the wealth of experts. 

Follow @gabezal