Union Rags went into the 2012 Kentucky Derby as one of the favorites to win the Run for the Roses, but the colt, a product of Dixie Union and Tempo, finished a disappointing seventh. Given that result, the horse’s handlers elected not to run at the Preakness Stakes, instead saving Union Rags for a potential winning turn at the longer 1 1/2 miles Belmont.

Union Rags did not disappoint, sneaking in by the rail near the finish to deny Baffert, jockey Mike Smith, and owner Zayat Stables of what looked to be a certain Belmont victory. The win represented jockey John Velasquez’ third Triple Crown Series title and his second Belmont Stakes win. Velasquez guided Animal Kingdom to first place at last year’s Kentucky Derby and he also rode filly Rags to Riches to the winner’s circle at the 2007 Belmont Stakes.

Dullahan, who became a 9-5 favorite to win the Belmont after I’ll Have Another was forced to bow out, finished out of the money with seventh place run. Another favorite, Street Life, took fourth after starting the race on the rail.

2012 Belmont Stakes Results:

Union Rags (Post 3) $7.50, $4.20, $3.40
Paynter (Post 9) $5.10, $3.90
Atigun (Post 4) $10.60
Street Life (Post 1)
Five Sixteen (Post 7)
Unstoppable U (Post 2)
Dullahan (Post 5)
My Adonis (Post 12)
Ravelo’s Boy (Post 6)
Optimizer (Post 10)
Guyana Star Dweej (Post 8)

Grace Hall (9/4 – Post #2): Empire Maker sired filly has four wins in six starts, including the Grade 1 Spinaway Stakes (seven furlongs) and Grade 2 Gulfstream Oaks (1 1/8 miles). An all dirt racer, Grace Hall placed second at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies last November. Pedigree and performance has demonstrated both speed and stamina.

On Fire Baby (4/1 – Post #1): Placed fifth in the Alcibiades Stakes (G1) after breaking its maiden, but has since won three of four races entered. On Fire Baby last competed in the Grade 3 Honeybee Stakes, besting fellow Oaks entrants Amie’s Dini and Colonial Empress.

Broadway’s Alibi (9/2 – Post #6): Broadway’s Alibi comes into the Oaks riding a four race win streak, but has yet to separate herself against Grade 1 competition. Since breaking her maiden has won an Allowance race, the Grade 2 Forward Gal Stakes, and the Grade 3 Comely Stakes (one mile). Has raced only one race over seven furlongs.

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Kentucky Oaks 2012 Picks: Provided by Bovada.lv

Grace Hall 9/4
Broadway’s Alibi 9/2
On Fire Baby 4/1
Summer Applause 12/1
Believe You Can 10/1
Edens Moon 12/1
Jemimas Pearl 12/1
Amie’s Dini 12/1
And Why Not 18/1
Karlovy 20/1
Hard Not To Like 20/1
Yara 30/1
Colonial Empress 50/1
Sacristy 50/1

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)