Kentucky Derby Post Positions 2012: Horses in Position to Do Damage on Race Day
A few horses caught a huge break with their Kentucky Derby post positions. This can have a huge impact on the odds.
When the announcements were made yesterday, it painted a clearer picture on how the Derby may shake out. For the most part, the favorites have remained the same. Both Bodemeister and Union Rags are the horses to beat, at 9:2 odds.
However, the following horses received post positions that will increase their chances of a strong showing on Saturday at Churchill Downs.
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Dullahan
This horse is like Mariano Rivera, he closes as well as any horse in the field. I think he is second only to Bodemeister in that regard.
The fifth position is tailor-made for a horse with that skill set. Dullahan should be in excellent position to use his closing ability.
We'll see if it helps push him to victory.
Gemologist
In the 15th position, Gemologist will be able to command the outside. He is clearly the fastest horse from the 15-20 post positions.
Therefore, his jockey, Javier Castellano, will be able to keep his eyes focused on the inside field.
This could give Gemologist an advantage over the field. If Castellano can pick his spots and wisely presses Gemologist at the right time, it could land them a victory.
Hansen
Hansen runs best when he's away from the pack. This is precisely why the 15th post position is ideal for him. He was in the 12th position at Gotham in March, and he finished first there.
Staying to the outside allows this horse to run free of the grind that can occur in the pack. Hansen has tremendous speed in space, and the 15th position should provide ample real estate for him to run well.
Here are the post positions and odds for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 5.
Odds taken from KentuckyDerby.info, reflect odds prior to the post draw.
A full list of the post positions can be found at Official Kentucky Derby Page.
| 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 |
Note: My Adonis is the alternate and will feature if anything happens to one of the horses prior to 9 a.m. ET on Friday.
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