Kentucky Derby 2012 Post Positions: Favorites in Perfect Spots for Epic Finish

The favorites for the 2012 Kentucky Derby scored sweet post positions. They aren't locked against the rail or exiled to the outside. 

Three of them are lined up next to each other. Union Rags (9/2), Dullhan (8/1) and Bodemeister (9/2) sit, respectively, in gates No. 4-6. The other favorite in this race is Gemologist (7/1), who will be lining up in the 15th post position. 

This is going to set up for an amazing race as all of the favorites will be able to comfortable race their race. 

Post positions four through six have a nice inside slot, but it is not so close to the rail that they are going to get caught up in traffic as the mad dash for the rail begins. This will allow them to either sprint out to the front, or hang just back and slide safely to the rail to set up for a strong finish. 

Meanwhile, Gemologist has a longer distance, but that is a great spot. He will be right next to the gap created by the auxiliary gate. 

This creates a little breathing room at the start and eases the transition in the race for the rail. Everything you need to know about this starting position can be found in the fact that, since 1990, seven winners have started from either the 15th or 16th post. 

I expect all of these horses to be content to find a comfortable spot slightly back of early winners. This will allow them to pace themselves against each other and leave them ready to pounce as the leaders fade down the homestretch. 

Post positions and odds as found at Official Kentucky Derby Page. 

Post	Horse	Odds
1.	Daddy Long Legs	30/1
2.	Optimizer	20/1
3.	Take Charge Indy	16/1
4.	Union Rags	9/2
5.	Dullahan	8/1
6.	Bodemeister	9/2
7.	Rousing Sermon	40/1
8.	Creative Cause	11/1
9.	Trinniberg	45/1
10.	Daddy Nose Best	15/1
11.	Alpha	11/1
12.	Prospective	50/1
13.	Went The Day Well	18/1
14.	Hansen	14/1
15.	Gemologist	7/1
16.	El Padrino	16/1
17.	Done Talking	50/1
18.	Sabercat	35/1
19.	I'll Have Another	15/1
20.	Liaison	40/1