Kentucky Derby 2012 Post Positions: Analysis of Best Possible Slots

While it may just be a superstition or a still very small sample that we put way too much stock in, the post positions at the Kentucky Derby go a long way towards determining how we evaluate the race. 

This year's field has 20 of the top thoroughbreds in the world vying for the greatest prize in all of horse racing, any of whom you could make a case for winning. 

But there is something to be said about the post position draws that just make us feel better about a horse's chances, especially when we have the time to properly break things down. 

Here is a look at the most successful post positions at the Kentucky Derby and what they tell us about this year's race. 

Post Position No. 1

All-Time Victories: 12

Most Recent Winner: Winning Colors (1988)

Historically, the two best positions to have in the Derby have been right at the rail and No. 5. However, the most recent winner to come from the first position was Winning Colors all the way back in 1988. You have to go back even further to find a winner in a 20-horse field, as War Admiral did in 1937. 

This would seem to spell doom for Daddy Long Legs, who enters the race with 30-1 odds. An even bigger problem for Daddy Long Legs is the inconsistent performance he has shown throughout his career. 

The allure of the rail makes No. 1 a prime spot to draw, but history has shown that it is not the best place to start. 

Post Position No. 5

All-Time Victories: 12

Most Recent Winner: Funny Cide (2003)

Unlike the No. 1 spot, which has a lot of wins but not much to show in recent years, the five spot has produced four winners since 1991. 

In addition to Funny Cide's victory in 2003, War Emblem took home the Derby crown in 2002. Silver Charm (1997) and Strike the Gold (1991) have also come out on top in horse racing's crown jewel. 

Dullahan drew the honor this year and has the fourth best odds at 8-1. He enters the Derby with a lot of momentum, including a victory at April's Blue Grass race and a second place showing at Palm Beach in March. 

Post Position No. 4

All-Time Victories: 11

Most Recent Winner: Super Saver (2010)

In addition to boasting the second most all-time victories, the No. 4 position this year also boasts the one of this year's Derby favorites: Union Rags (9-2). 

Rags has won four races since last July, including a victory at the Fountain of Youth run in February. Julien Leparoux will be riding Rags. Despite being a decorated racer, he has yet to win a Triple Crown race; last year he finished eighth with Dialed In. 

Between the storied history of the No. 4 position and the fact that Union Rags, who has created all sorts of buzz entering this race, will be starting from there, it is hard not to like his chances on Saturday. 

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