I am chagrined that odds for the 2012 Kentucky Derby have been next to impossible to use this year.
For example, a variety of horse racing picks experts have been posting online that they are still trying to make a reasonable decision. This means that, with a week left before the race; experts are indecisive and not producing reviews and picks with solid affirmations on winning Kentucky Derby contenders. However, with a little luck and the right resources, refining your attempts to pick a winning horse is still a timely reality.
Conflicting local poll and expert opinions
Louisville's Courier-Journal has activated their polls for the 2012 Kentucky Derby contenders to the general public. This is a helpful piece of data considering the Churchill Downs final odds for future wager betting pools closed on April 1.
As of April 21, Louisville's opinions have been placed alongside horse racing odds experts in the Courier-Journal. 2012 Kentucky Derby odds experts included in the analysis are Jill Byrne (Churchill Downs), David Grening (Daily Racing Form), Gary West (ESPN), Mike Penna (HRRN), and Caton Bredar (HRTV). So far, the people of Louisville do not unanimously agree with the top picks from experts.
Odd odds reviews for 2012 Kentucky Derby winner
A "Kentucky Derby Report" was published by James Scully for the Brisnet.com Editorial on April 26. In it, he is only slightly more hopeful than the bewildered Mike Battalgia. For over 35 years, Battalgia has been the main personality behind Churchill Downs' morning line handicapping. Sadly, Battalgia reports that the 2012 Kentucky Derby is full of winners.
Battalgia told the Courier-Journal, "It's so crazy. There's some quality there; I mean, it's not like they are a bunch of bums. But it's just so tough. It will probably come down to who is training the best."
Current list of Kentucky Derby Contenders
Since Battalgia is focusing on the trainers of 2012 Kentucky Derby contenders, it pays to know trainer history. Below is a list of this year's horses along with trainer information. In addition to using a search engine for interviews, other excellent ways to get to know trainers is by looking at their Twitter accounts, Facebook pages, or independent blog.
A complete list of information about each horse and their trainer is found at the Kentucky Derby's "Meet the Horses" webpage.
1. Alpha - Kiaran McLaughlin
2. Bodemeister - Bob Baffert
3. Creative Cause - Mike Harrington
4. Daddy Long Legs - Aidan O'Brien
5. Daddy Nose Best - Steve Asmussen
6. Done Talking - Hamilton Smith
7. Dullahan - Dale Romans
8. El Padrino - Todd Pletcher
9. Gemologist - Todd Pletcher
10. Hansen - Mike Maker
11. I'll Have Another - Doug O'Neill
12. Liaison - Bob Baffert
13. Mark Valeski - Larry Jones
14. Optimizer - D. Wayne Lukas
15. Prospective - Mark Casse
16. Rousing Sermon - Jerry Hollendorfer
17. Sabercat - Steve Asmussen
18. Take Charge Indy - Patrick Byrne
19. Trinniberg - Bisnath Parboo
20. Union Rags - Michael Matz
21. Went The Day Well - H. Graham Motion
Reviewing final days odds before Kentucky Derby
Naturally, the day before the 2012 Kentucky Derby, opinions will be flooding the news headlines. I learned from my job writing about odds for KentuckyDerby.org that serious horse racing enthusiasts choose a pick experts in advance.
To stay updated on each horse's progress over the next days, consult the morning workout board at KentuckyDerby.com. To see what Churchill Downs' experts, like John Asher, are saying about this year's Run for the Roses, check their picks page daily.
Other resources for opinions about possible top winners for the 2012 Kentucky Derby come from amateur pick experts giving free horse racing tips on Twitter. Some, like @Gary4ProPick, @HorseRacingOdds, @HorsePicks, and @WizardPicks have over a thousand followers.
More from this Contributor:
Unlimited 2012 Kentucky Derby Tickets?
Other Events During the 2012 Kentucky Derby?
Best 2012 Kentucky Derby Men's Hats: Fan's Review
Odd Horse Dancing Tour Fires Up Kentucky Derby: Fan's View
Finding Luxury Concierge at the 2012 Kentucky Derby: Fan's View
Maryam Louise is a longtime resident of the Bluegrass State and has lived in the shadows of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky over the past two decades. In addition to being a fan of horse racing, she has also had a chance to get to know jockeys, horse groomers, and betting clerks as an ESL instructor. Currently, she writes for KentuckyDerby.org and relies on her friends in the multiple facets of the equine industry for writing inspiration.
