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Gambling911.com has your 2012 Kentucky Derby contenders, who we think stands the best chance of winning Saturday’s big race, post-post position draw. You can find all the latest Kentucky Derby betting odds at Bookmaker.eu here, serving the sports bettor since 1985 and offering up to 8 percent back on losses for qualified customers.
Over the past couple of days we have watched these horses train and get a feel for how ready they are, but just as importantly, the post position draw has provided some of the Derby entrants with an edge or disadvantage based on historical stats. We are also getting a feel for the possible weather and track conditions.
Bodemeister and Union Rags remain the top contenders as the +450 and +400 co-favorites, respectively. Bodemeister was being offered up at a slightly better price at Bookmaker (by a half point), thus adding to his value. Both of these Derby contenders were selected to favorable post positions.
There is still a 40 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms for Saturday afternoon, including post time 6:30 pm EST. This could make for the potential of a muddy track. Both Bodemeister and Union Rags are more than capable of running in the slop.
Other capable mud horses include Gemologist at 6/1 odds. With a perfect record and an okay post position, Gemologist is certainly among the top contenders this year.
Dullahan at 8/1 odds has one of the best post positions at number 5 (hence the cheers that rang out when he was selected there). This post position has won more Kentucky Derby races (tied with the number one spot). Dullahan is a solid contender in his own right. One thing to consider is that he has performed best on polytrack or dirt. Dullahan might not be able to handle the mud track so one might want to hold off placing that wager until early Saturday afternoon (please sign up with Bookmaker beforehand to avoid crunch time processing though).
Take Charge Indy has what it takes to win the 2012 Kentucky Derby plus a favorable post position. He has solid value at 12/1 odds but this price could be slashed over the next 24 hours so get on him quick if he’s your pick.
Alpha and Hansen can be considered Derby contenders but we don’t like their post positions. Nor do we like where El Padrino is situated. The odds of the number 16 post position producing two consecutive winners are pretty slim considering only three horses have won from this spot in well over a century. One thing El Padrino has going for him is that he can run in mud. He’s at lucky 13/1 odds.
Daddy Nose Best has good value at 17/1 and should be considered a contender this year, especially at that price.
Rousing Sermon has been running well at Churchill Downs. His 38/1 odds are enticing enough to make him worth a look here.
- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
