Kentucky Derby 2012: Elite Trainers with Best Chance of Finding Winner's Circle

When people are looking for their Kentucky Derby pick there's always talk about jockeys, but not nearly as much about trainers. While having a good jockey certainly helps, it won't matter until the trainer has set the horse up for success ahead of time.

Let's take a look at three of the nation's best trainers who are hoping to add another impressive piece to their résumés on Saturday afternoon.

Todd Pletcher

Pletcher leads all trainers in earnings this year at nearly $7 million and it's only early May. His horses have won 32 percent of their races and finished in the money 61 percent of the time, so it's clear Pletcher is doing something right.

The Kentucky Derby was always a bittersweet time for Pletcher until 2010. He ran 24 horses without a victory in the first leg of the triple crown before Super Saver gave him his first win. With that monkey off his back, his results should improve.

He has two horses in this year's race, Gemologist and El Padrino. Both are solid contenders with Gemologist being the third choice after the post position draw.

Bob Baffert

Less than two months after suffering a heart attack, Baffert has recovered and will be cheering on morning line favorite Bodemeister in today's race. The legendary trainer is looking for his fourth Kentucky Derby triumph.

Baffert ranks second behind Pletcher in earnings and has won 31 percent of the time. He's trained elite horses like War Emblem and Point Given among many others. Quite simply, a trainer doesn't hang around for 20 years without having a lot of success.

Bodemeister gives Baffert a tremendous chance to come out on top once again. What the horse lacks in experience, he makes up for in talent and he'll be in the mix today.

Steve Asmussen

Even though Asmussen doesn't receive as much attention as Pletcher or Baffert, his results are right in line with those popular trainers. He's third in earnings and his horses have won 122 races in 2012, more than either of those big names.

Asmussen continues to seek his first Kentucky Derby win, but has claimed marquee victories in the Preakness Stakes, Breeders' Cup Classic and Kentucky Oaks. It's only a matter of time before he finds the winner's circle in the Derby.

It could happen this year as Asmussen has Daddy Nose Best and Sabercat in the race. Neither of them are among the top few favorites, but both have sleeper potential. Don't count them out.