Kentucky Derby Results: Bodemeister's Struggles Exposed Fitness Concerns

One of Bodemeister's concerns headed into the 2012 Kentucky Derby was that he didn't race at 2 years old. If he had won, he would have been the first horse unraced at 2 years old to win the Kentucky Derby since 1882.

But, alas, those concerns did rear their ugly head, as Bodemeister's lead in the final stretch evaporated when I'll Have Another came from behind to edge Bob Baffert's horse for the victory.

You almost wanted to root for Bodemeister to defy history. Having a legendary trainer in Baffert didn't hurt, either. But it was obvious that his lack of race fitness was the root cause of his collapse down the stretch at Churchill Downs, and it will be something worth monitoring in the second and third legs of the Triple Crown.

Bodemeister still has a good chance of winning the Preakness Stakes, the Belmont Stakes, or both. Yet, it's evident that he needs to get some work in before he considers winning either race. You could almost call Bodemeister's second-place finish a victory in itself, given the odds against him. There's a reason 1882 was the last year a horse unraced at 2 years old won the Derby.

In the end, Bodemeister is a promising horse right now, but not one who can legitimately win a leg of the Triple Crown until he gets in better racing shape. His lead was so substantial in the beginning of the final stretch that you thought he would have been fine and could hold on for what would have been a monumental victory.

But, the reality is, Bodemeister should be thankful he finished second and didn't see other horses race ahead of him at the end.

It wasn't like Bodemeister was in horrible shape, either. He had 26 workouts in 2011 despite not running a race. Baffert knew what he was doing, grooming what was an immature horse at the time. If anyone could do it, you figured Baffert was that guy.

But not even Baffert could hide the fact that Bodemeister simply needed more races to win on Saturday to be ready. 

What you ultimately have is a horse gaining traction, but still needing work to be a legitimate favorite.

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