Top 2012 Kentucky Derby Hopefuls Position Themselves for the First Saturday in May

The list of would-be Kentucky Derby contenders is constantly evolving on the way to the first Saturday in May and this year has been no different. Based on recent strong performances, a slate of six new Kentucky Derby contenders were put in place as part of Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which runs from March 30-April 1.
Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager is the final opportunity for bettors, at least for those not in Las Vegas, to go fishing for a high-odds overlay in the 1 1/4-mile classic. As usual there are 23 individual betting interests in Pool 3 with a 24th option that encompasses the mutuel field, or all other 3-year-olds that are not listed.
As expected, the highly-regarded Union Rags was made the morning line favorite by Churchill Downs oddsmaker Mike Battaglia. The son of Dixie Union was pegged at 3-to-1. However, note that Union Rags is running this weekend in the Grade 1 Florida Derby and another strong performance is likely to lower the price considerably.
Next on the morning line, both at 6-to-1, are the mutuel field and Hansen, last year's champion 2-year-old colt who is pointing to the Blue Grass Stakes on April 14 for his final Kentucky Derby prep.
As noted above, there were seven new horses added to the list of contenders in the Kentucky Derby Future Wager. They are listed below, along with their notable achievements and expected next start:
Prospective (50-to-1)--Won the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby in his previous start and is heading to the Wood Memorial Stakes on April 7.
Daddy Nose Best (15-to-1)--Won the El Camino Real Derby and Sunland Derby, both Grade 3's, in his previous two starts. The Kentucky Derby is next.
Howe Great (30-to-1)--Is perfect in three career starts, which includes the Grade 3 Palm Beach Stakes on grass in his previous start. He is headed to the Blue Grass Stakes next.
On Fire Baby (30-to-1)--A filly, has already won three graded stakes including the Grade 3 Honeybee Stakes at Oaklawn Park in her previous start. She will take on males for her next start when trying the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby on April 7.
Optimizer (50-to-1)--Is winless in seven tries in graded stakes, but was a fast-closing second to Secret Circle in the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes last time out. He will use the Arkansas Derby as his final Kentucky Derby tuneup.
Went the Day Well (30-to-1)—Won the Grade 3 Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park in his first try against winners. He is likely to head straight to the Kentucky Derby, but a start in the Grade 2 Lexington Coolmore Stakes at Keeneland two prior to the Kentucky Derby is also under consideration.
Wagering on Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager is available at racetracks and OTB's around the country as well as various online wagering platforms such as Xpressbet.com.

Here is the complete field for Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager with morning line odds:
24. Alpha, 20-to-1
25. Bodemeister, 12-to-1
26. Creative Cause, 10-to-1
27. Daddy Nose Best, 15-to-1
28. Dullahan, 30-to-1
29. El Padrino, 12-to-1
30. Gemologist, 20-to-1
31. Hansen, 6-to-1
32. Howe Great, 30-to-1
33. I'll Have Another, 20-to-1
34. Liaison, 30-to-1
35. Mark Valeski, 30-to-1
36. Midnight Transfer, 50-to-1
37. My Adonis, 50-to-1
38. News Pending, 50-to-1
39. On Fire Baby (f), 50-to-1
40. Optimizer, 50-to-1
41. Prospective, 50-to-1
42. Sabercat, 50-to-1
43. Secret Circle, 15-to-1
44. Take Charge Indy, 50-to-1
45. Union Rags, 3-to-1
46. Went the Day Well, 30-to-1
All Other 3YO's, 6-to-1