Horse: Bodemeister
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Pedigree: By Empire Maker (winner of the 2003 Belmont Stakes) out of a Storm Cat mare (Untouched Talent)
Career Record: 4-2-2-0
Career Earnings: $704,800
Notable Races: G1-Arkansas Derby (1st, 9 ½ lengths); G2-San Felipe (2nd)
Can He Win The 2012 Kentucky Derby?:
Of all the horses in this year’s Kentucky Derby, Bodemeister has consistently run the fastest races of any of his rivals. His nine and a half length win in the Arkansas Derby was, arguably, the best prep race by a Derby contender this year and he’s run a solid race in each of his four lifetime starts. Unraced as a juvenile, Bodemeister will be trying to overcome 100+ years of history on Saturday when he attempts to become the first horse since Apollo in 1882 to win the Kentucky Derby while never having raced as a two-year-old.
Bodemeister won the Arkansas Derby in gate-to-wire fashion, a running style that will be difficult to employ in the Kentucky Derby. If this colt can avoid becoming involved in a speed duel in the early stages of the race, he’ll have a huge chance to bring home the roses, and in the process, avenge the defeat of his sire Empire Maker in the 2003 Kentucky Derby.