Kentuck Derby Speed Horses
5/5/12
The 2012 Kentucky Derby is the one race each year where the old racing axiom “pace makes the race” is definitely true. This year’s rendition has several solid speed types, with some who need the lead and others who do not. That distinction separates those who can hang around late from those who cannot. Here is a look at those who are the “speed” of the race.
Bodemeister will be one the favorites after his smashing victory in the Arkansas Derby last time out. He comes from a barn in Bob Baffert who knows how to win the Derby, having done it three times. He showed than when given an easy lead, he is dangerous, but he is unlikely to get that scenario come Saturday. He has yet to pass a horse, inheriting in his only non gate-to-wire win. His Beyers are far superior to most of the field. He has yet to show he can rate or be behind horses, and that can be a major problem and could lead to his downfall.
Gemologist is another who has won several races on the front end. He has shown the ability to sit just behind the speed and “pass” when needed. He is undefeated, winning the Grade 1 Resorts World Wood Memorial last time out. He seems to have inherited his father’s tenacity and drive. He can take dirt in his face, but he is another who runs faster when he goes gate-to-wire. He also has a paddling motion that makes one wonder whether he can handle his 3rd race in 7 weeks.
“The Great White Hope” Hansen ran a no-excuse 2nd last time out in the Blue Grass. He may have been worked up over the whole incident involving his dyeing (& subsequent un-dyeing) of his tail before the race. He showed he could run behind a run-off speed horse in the Gotham and still win. He won the battle against Alpha for his regular jockey, which has to be a sign of confidence from him. The chaos before the Blue Grass might be a good indicator of how he will react to the massive crowd on Derby Day, which would not bode well for his chances of relaxing off the pace.
I’ll Have Another ran as a need-the-lead type at two, but has learned to relax to just off the pace at three. After inheriting the lead and powering away in the Lewis, he sat off a tepid pace in the Santa Anita Derby and went after the longshot speed, getting him at the wire. His biggest asset (his early speed) could be his downfall, as he could get sucked into chasing a face pace (as could many in here). He will attempt to be the first Santa Anita Derby winner since Sunday Silence in 1989 to pull the double. His light racing Schedule this year could be another issue.
Take Charge Indy won the Florida Derby gate-to-wire last time out, but previously showed the ability to close in sprint races at two. His two races at three have had him on or right off the lead. His pedigree is top-notch, with him being by A.P. Indy out of the multiple Grade 1 winning Take Charge LAdy. With his jockey being Calvin Borel, his price figures to be much lower than his actual chance at winning. His trainer’s less than aggressive scheduling paid off for the Florida Derby, but it could backfire come Cinco De Mayo.
Trinniberg has been the most talked about horse the past week after his connections decided that they would point to Derby. The horse has never run farther than seven furlongs in his career, including his last race, a win in the Grade 3 Bay Shore. He has been in front of every race except one (where he finished last). His pedigree says he doesn’t have much of chance of lasting the ten furlongs, no matter how slow he goes early. He figures to be on the lead, but how fast he goes will determine the fate of many of the others in the field.
There is a brief look at the 2012 Kentucky Derby contenders who could be setting or attending the pace this year. Be sure to check us out for the latest Kentucky Derby Picks and information!