2012 Kentucky Derby Favorites: Union Rags and Studs to Bet the Farm on

With 20 horses set to take the stage at horse racing's biggest event, the 2012 Kentucky Derby, everyone is scrambling to get the latest news on the odds and which thoroughbreds are worth a look. 

There is going to be a lot of temptation out there, but when you get right down to it, why look beyond some of the favorites?

Even though they won't give you the most bang for your buck, these studs are being put on a pedestal because they are the best of the best. 

Here are the best bets when going over the favorites for the 138th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. 

Union Rags (9-2)

I am of a mind that Union Rags is either going to run away with a victory at the Derby or end up near the back of the pack. 

Considering that I have him on a list of horses to bet on, I believe the former is going to happen. Rags is so supremely talented that it would take a colossal screw-up from jockey Julien Leparoux for him not to win. 

Every jockey is allowed one mulligan, and Leparoux is getting his following a terrible showing at the Florida Derby. As bad as that race was for Leparoux, Rags still managed to finish in third place. This horse is going to steal the spotlight at the Derby. 

El Padrino (20-1)

Not exactly an overwhelming favorite, El Padrino is actually flying under the radar as the race approaches. 

Were it not for a fourth-place showing at March's Florida Derby, Padrino would have odds up there with Union Rags and Bodemeister. Instead, he looks like a great bargain as we approach post time for the 20 horses vying for the Derby. He has an easy stride to go along with powerful legs that will carry him down the stretch.

If you believe in superstitions—and let's be honest, who doesn't?—Padrino also drew the coveted 16th post. That particular spot has produced four Derby winners since 1995, including Animal Kingdom last year. 

I'll Have Another (12-1)

Of all the possible moneymakers this week, I'll Have Another could easily end up being the best of the best. 

Following a career-worst sixth place finish at the Hopeful race last September, Another has come back to win his last two runs, including the Santa Anita Derby in April. 

If that isn't enough to convince you that Another is a horse to be reckoned with, James Scully of NBC Sports has been praising the way the thoroughbred has been running all week in practice and thinks he is going to steal the show. 

POST POSITION	HORSE	ODDS*
No. 1	Daddy Long Legs	30-1
No. 2	Optimizer	45-1
No. 3	Take Charge Indy	12-1
No. 4	Union Rags	9-2
No. 5	Dullahan	8-1
No. 6	Bodemeister	4-1
No. 7	Rousing Sermon	50-1
No. 8	Creative Cause	12-1
No. 9	Trinniberg	40-1
No. 10	Daddy Nose Best	16-1
No. 11	Alpha	14-1
No. 12	Prospective	30-1
No. 13	Went The Day Well	25-1
No. 14	Hansen	10-1
No. 15	Gemologist	6-1
No. 16	El Padrino	22-1
No. 17	Done Talking	40-1
No. 18	Sabercat	35-1
No. 19	I'll Have Another	14-1
No. 20	Liasion	50-1

Bold Indicates Odds-On Favorite

*Odds courtesy of Horse Racing Nation

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