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Kentucky Derby 2012: Andrew Beyer’s preview The post time for the 138th Kentucky Derby is scheduled for 6:24 p.m. on Saturday, May 5.
No. 1 Daddy Long Legs
Beyer's analysis: Won the $2 million UAE Derby in Dubai over a synthetic track in slow time, but his one prior try on dirt in the United States was a disaster.
Karim Sahib
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AFP/Getty Images
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No. 2 Optimizer
Beyer's analysis: With Mark Valeski's defection, Wayne Lukas's colt gets into the field and gives trainer a shot at his fifth Derby win. But he looks hopelessly overmatched.
Matthew Stockman
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Getty Images
No. 3 Take Charge Indy
Beyer's analysis: Colt will get plenty of support with three-time Derby winner Calvin Borel aboard, but he won't get an unpressured early lead as he did in winning the Florida Derby.
Garry Jones
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Associated Press
No. 4 Union Rags
Beyer's analysis: Colt narrowly missed winning 2-year-old title, and big things were expected of him at 3. Florida Derby loss was a disappointment, but maybe Michael Matz has him cranked up for a big Derby as he did with Barbaro.
Charlie Riedel
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Associated Press
No. 5 Dullahan
Beyer's analysis: Flew past Hansen to capture the Blue Grass Stakes, but that was over a synthetic surface. His ability on dirt is still questionable.
Garry Jones
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Associated Press
No. 6 Bodemeister
Beyer's analysis: After a runaway victory in the Arkansas Derby, he should be favored to give Bob Baffert his fourth Kentucky Derby win. But does he have enough seasoning? The last horse who won without racing at 2 years old was Apollo -- in 1882.
Michael Heiman
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Getty Images
No. 7 Rousing Sermon
Beyer's analysis: Plodder hasn't had much success this year, but longer distance and fast pace may help him.
John Sommers II
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Reuters
No. 8 Creative Cause
Beyer's analysis: Beat Bodemeister in the San Felipe Stakes, then lost Santa Anita Derby by a nose. Consistent, seasoned colt is a serious contender.
Matthew Stockman
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Getty Images
No. 9 Trinniberg
Beyer's analysis: Speedster has won two seven-furlong races and is certain to be the Derby pacesetter, but he's ill-prepared to run 1 1/4 miles. He's a good bet to finish last -- a distant last.
John Sommers II
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Reuters
No. 10 Daddy Nose Best
Beyer's analysis: After being miscast as a grass runner, he won the Sunland Derby in New Mexico with a good speed figure. Strong finisher has the right style for a Derby filled with front-running types.
John Sommers II
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Reuters
No. 11 Alpha
Beyer's analysis: Sheikh Mohammed of Dubai has won almost every important race in the world except the Derby. He has a good chance with this colt, who lost the Wood Memorial by a neck.
John Sommers II
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Reuters
No. 12 Prospective
Beyer's analysis: Victory in the slow Tampa Bay Derby doesn't suggest that he could possibly be a contender here.
Morry Gash
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Associated Press
No. 13 Went the Day Well
Beyer's analysis: After Graham Motion won the '11 Derby with Animal Kingdom, bettors back him as if he can perform miracles. But this lightly raced colt is no Animal Kingdom.
Garry Jones
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Associated Press
No. 14 Hansen
Beyer's analysis: Striking white colt is a fan favorite as well as the reigning champion of his generation, but the 1 1/4-mile Derby distance looks too far for him.
David J. Phillip
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Associated Press
15. Gemologist
Beyer's analysis: Pletcher trainee has won all five of his starts, most recently the Wood Memorial. His speed figures aren't dazzling, but he has room to improve.
Matthew Stockman
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Getty Images
No. 16 El Padrino
Beyer's analysis: Looked like a prime contender early in the winter, but he appears to be on the downgrade. After Florida Derby loss, he's Todd Pletcher's second-stringer.
Matthew Stockman
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Getty Images
No. 17 Done Talking
Beyer's analysis: Maryland-based colt, winner of the Illinois Derby, is overmatched here, but he'll be rallying past some of the tired speed horses in the stretch.
John Sommers II
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Reuters
No. 18 Sabercat
Beyer's analysis: Stretch-runner has been soundly beaten in his two starts this year, but Steve Asmussen -- a no-nonsense trainer -- says he'll run the race of his life Saturday.
Charlie Riedel
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Associated Press
No. 19 I'll Have Another
Beyer's analysis: Obscure jockey Mario Gutierrez gets a shot at glory after winning Santa Anita Derby in an upset over Creative Cause.
Charlie Riedel
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Associated Press
No. 20 Liaison
Beyer's analysis: His 3-year-old record looks dismal, but Baffert says he likes Churchill Downs and is training well.
Charlie Riedel
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Associated Press
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