Bodemeister won the 2012 Arkansas Derby in dominating fashion, edging out Secret Circle by multiple lengths to take home a $1 million purse at Oakland Park in Hot Springs. The pair of Bob Baffert-trained horses were tabbed as favorites before the race. Bodemeister was given 9-5 odds despite racing without blinders for the first time in his career. Secret Circle earned 5-2 odds as the more proven horse, though with less raw potential.

Bodemeister had no trouble with the No. 11 post position. Jockey Mike Smith gradually brought him over to the rail right at the outset as the horse took immediate control from the gate. He held off Stat and Secret Circle by about a length coming around the final turn. Bodemeister opened up from there, pulling away from the field to solidify himself as one of the favorites to win this year's Kentucky Derby.

Sabercat moved up late to take third place, while Cozzetti closed out the Superfecta.

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