WinStar Farms will seek its second Kentucky Derby title in the last three years on Saturday when it sends undefeated Gemologist to compete in the first leg of the Triple Crown series. The colt, which is trained by Todd Pletcher, is one of several Kentucky Derby Picks favorites going into the 138th Run for the Roses. Online bookmaker SBG Global has the Tiznow (a two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic winner) sired bay listed at +700 Horse Racing Odds to win the 2012 Kentucky Derby.
Gemologist has many things going for him as he attempts to capture the coveted blanket of roses on Saturday. Chief among the colt’s advantages may be the presence of Todd Pletcher in its stable. Pletcher guided another WinStar Farms product, Super Saver, to Churchill Downs glory in 2010 and he trained filly Rags to Riches, the 2007 Kentucky Oaks and Belmont Stakes winner.
Pletcher may have another high stakes champion in Gemologist, who is undefeated in five races and more than familiar with the dirt surface it will navigate this weekend. Since breaking his maiden last September the colt has taken part in four races, all of which featured a dirt track.
Gemologist took first at a Churchill Downs Allowance race last fall and it competed at the legendary facility again a month later when it won the 1 1/16 miles Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2). The bay colt brought home another Allowance title in mid-March before taking first in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial on April 7th. Gemologist, who has featured early speed but also an ability to close, ran the 1 1/8 miles event in 1:50.96.
Riding Gemologist on Saturday will be Venezuela native Javier Castellano. Castellano is most famous for piloting Bernardini to first place in the 2006 Preakness Stakes.
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Gemologist Odds 2012 Kentucky Derby Picks: Provided by SBG Global
Gemologist +700 (To Win 2012 Kentucky Derby)
