2012 Kentucky Derby Day Picks: Win, Place and Show Predictions

2012 Kentucky Derby Day Picks: Win, Place and Show Predictions: It’s Derby Day, and even though it’s also Cinco de Mayo, don’t expect margaritas to replace mint juleps at Churchill Downs. In addition to the tough competition from the 20-horse field, weather could play a factor in the 138th addition of the Run for the Roses. Even though the rain should be gone by the time the race begins, a sloppy track and a humid evening could still take their toll on the horses. It’s just one more thing for bettors to consider before locking in their final picks for arguably the most-anticipated event in the world of horse racing.

2012 Kentucky Derby Day Free Picks: Win, Place and Show Predictions

Winner: Gemologist (6/1 odds)

What’s not to love about Gemologist? The horse is undefeated in five career starts, including a pair of wins at Churchill Downs. Superstitious bettors will point out that only eight undefeated horses have won the Kentucky Derby, but he real knock on this horse are that he hasn’t faced tough enough competition. However, show me a horse that has faced a field that can come close to comparing to Saturday’s lineup. Gemologist has seen the distances of his races steadily increased leading up to the Kentucky Derby, and he has answered any questions about his stamina by remaining undefeated. Gemologist is a proven winner, and more importantly, he is familiar with and has been successful on the Churchill Downs’ surface.

Place: Hansen (10/1 odds)

Hansen won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs last season, beating Kentucky Derby favorite Union Rags. Throw in a solid post draw and one of the best jockey’s around in Ramon Dominguez, and Hansen should be in perfect position to run his race. The biggest question mark is going to be whether or not Dominguez can keep the speedy horse under control until the stretch run, but drawing post No. 14 eased a lot of those concerns. Hansen shouldn’t have to deal with a lot of traffic out of the gate, and he should be in position to pounce on the other sprinters that jump out front early.

Show: Creative Cause (11/1 odds)

He has made eight career starts, and Creative Cause has finished in the top three in all eight races. He has also won half of his starts, including a victory in the San Felipe. More than anything, Creative Cause is an attractive pick because of his consistency. He has run on a variety of surfaces against a variety of competition, and he has found a way to finish near the front each and every time. This horse is experienced and battle tested, and there is no reason to expect him to suddenly underperform in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.

Check out updated 2012 Kentucky Derby Odds and 2012 Kentucky Derby Predictions from NSAwins.com!

Updated Odds to Win the 2012 Kentucky Derby
901 Daddy Long Legs +2850
902 Optimizer +5250
903 Take Charge Indy +895
904 Union Rags +455
905 Dullahan +825
906 Bodemeister +410
907 Rousing Sermon +5250
908 Creative Cause +1150
909 Trinniberg +5050
910 Daddy Nose Best +1150
911 Alpha +1425
912 Prospective +3250
913 Went The Day Well +1450
914 Hansen +1050
915 Gemologist +825
916 El Padrino +2050
917 Done Talking +5050
918 Sabercat +3850
919 I’ll Have Another +1150
920 Liaison +5050