Blue Grass Stakes 2012 Winner: Dullahan's Strong Finish Makes Him Derby Favorite

The Mariano Rivera of Kentucky Derby contenders is obviously Dullahan. The three-year-old Colt displayed the ability to close and finish like an elite athlete in other sports.

Hansen looked to be in control for the duration, until the horses moved into the last quarter of the race. At that point, Dullahan decided to show these horses of will, what will really is.

He exploded from the pack, chased down Hansen like a thief in the night and won the Blue Grass Stakes.

Check out the exciting finish:

Dullahan hit the top spot at $8.40, while Hansen placed at $3.00 and Gung Ho showed at $9.20.

Dullahan is owned by Donegal Racing and trained by Dale Romans, and he made all affiliated proud. At one point he was 10 lengths back before he exploded in this race.

He had already qualified for the Kentucky Derby, but this performance just further solidifies his presence there.

As far as Derby tune-ups go, Dullahan trumps Gemologist as the hottest horse.

Gemologist took the Wood Memorial, but it was not as impressive as Dullahan in the Blue Grass Stakes. 

When Dullahan arrives at the Kentucky Derby on May 4, the extra length should serve him well. The same way he waited to outlast the horses in the Blue Grass Stakes' field, could be his impact in the sport's biggest race.

If the race was run tomorrow, he'd be my pick to win.