Kentucky Derby 2012 Post Positions: Gemologist Won't Be Ruined by Horrible Draw

The post position draw for the Kentucky Derby is important, but not life or death, and one horse who won't be deterred by a bad spot is Gemologist.

Early Saturday morning, Gemologist sits at 6/1 odds to win the 2012 Kentucky Derby, despite the fact the colt will begin the race in gate No. 15.

Only three horses have won the Derby from that post position, and it's no secret that being on the outside typically hinders a horses' chances of winning the "Run for the Roses" at Churchill Downs. 

However, the undefeated Gemologist, winner of five straight races, will persevere Saturday evening, even though the colt is on the outside track. 

Critics bring Gemologist down because the three-year-old is at No. 15 and because the colt hasn't raced against stiff competition. The field at the 138th edition of the Kentucky Derby is very strong and Gemologist hasn't competed against any of the elites. 

This could actually be a problem for Gemologist, but of course folks will blame it on his post position draw.

That won't be the case at all, as Gemologist will be a contender the entire race.

The lack of experience against such strong competitors might hurt the colt towards the end of the race, but the post position draw won't hinder Gemologist at all. 

Trained by Todd A. Pletcher, who trained the winning Derby horse in 2010, Gemologist is in great hands, and starting on the outside won't damage the colt's chances of winning. 

If anything, it almost helps, especially when you consider so many talented horses are on the inside track. Outside of I'll Have Another, no other horse on the outside has the speed to hang with Gemologist. 

For full post positions and current odds, go to ESPN