Kentucky Derby Odds: Hansen Is a Dangerous Dark Horse at Churchill Downs

The concerns about Hansen have been well-documented. Given his slight build, not many people think he can outlast the field over 1 1/4 miles.

But Hansen's speed, combined with his post position, gives him a better shot to win the 2012 Kentucky Derby than it appears on the surface.

Owner Dr. Kendall Hansen said after the post draw on Wednesday, via the Washington Post:

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We are going to win this race. We’re not worried about anybody. We have the best horse. Speed is dangerous, and he can go a mile and a quarter. Everybody will find that out in a couple of days.

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Hansen has a good post position at No. 14 heading into Saturday's race. That will allow him to use his speed to get out in front. Whether he can follow through down the stretch is anyone's guess, but I don't think it's out of the question.

There's also the fact that some of the favorites haven't been handed particularly encouraging post positions. Union Rags is in the No. 4 slot, sandwiched in between two solid horses in Take Charge Indy and Dullahan. Dullahan is sandwiched in between Union Rags and favorite Bodemeister.

Bodemeister is the clear-cut favorite in many people's minds, but if he falters, Hansen is in a good position to shock everybody with a solid run.

Keep in mind, Hansen is facing 10 to 1 odds. That's not exactly a long shot. Animal Kingdom, of course, won the Derby last year facing 20 to 1 odds and he truly came out of nowhere.

And while Hansen hasn't proven he can win in 1 1/4 miles, he has still been successful in his career. In six career starts, he has four wins and two second-place finishes. He beat Union Rags by a nose running 1 1/16 mile at Churchill Downs last fall.

If Hansen won the 2012 Kentucky Derby, what a story it would be. Especially considering he was this close to getting the dreaded No. 1 pole position on Wednesday.