Kentucky Derby 2012 Post Positions: Horses Sure to Fail After Unfavorable Draw

It's amazing how much value, or lack thereof, you can find in the various post positions.

Some are better for the sprinters, and others for the finishers. Some work out well for certain horses depending on where the rest of the field is drawn, and some positions are generally a death sentence no matter where the rest of the field ends up.

So, which horses are at the biggest disadvantage now that the positions have been announced?

Glad you asked. Here are three horses with post positions that won't be doing them any favors.

Daddy Long Legs

Daddy Long Legs got one of the worst draws at the Derby, starting on the rail at Post 1.

The fact that he isn't a sprinter out of the gate will alleviate the negative affect from the traffic he'll experience early in the race, but he's still pretty likely to find himself bunched up against the rail and rather quickly out of contention. 

Despite that fact, he still came in at 30-1 odds. I wouldn't give him a passing glance at 50-1, for what it's worth. 

Remember, a horse hasn't won from this post since 1986.

Liaison

On the other end of the spectrum is Liaison, who will have the furthest race, technically speaking, as he is furthest from the rail.

That's right—the dreaded Post 20.

The pack generally runs toward the rail around the bend to shorten the track, meaning Liaison has the furthest to go to make up ground.

It's a death sentence of a draw for Liaison, basically.

Alpha

I know what you're thinking: Alpha drew Post 11, so how could that be a bad thing?

Well, consider the following from James Scully of NBC Sports:

"

Alpha drew a good starting point in post 11, but he’s had gate issues in the past and will be the first horse in the starting gate, along with Daddy Long Legs, as they double-load the field. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin probably was disappointed, and Alpha’s supporters will be hoping he doesn’t act up as he waits for the rest of the field.

"

It could be a moot point if Alpha keeps his cool and maintains focus early in the race. But it will certainly test Alpha's gate demeanor and could be just enough to ruin his start.

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