Kentucky Derby Odds: Underdogs Worth Backing Today

What do you get when you combine a promising horse with a good post position?

Why, an underdog worth backing, of course.

There are several dark horses who have a legitimate shot of emerging victorious in the 2012 Kentucky Derby. Here are three contenders looking to shock at Churchill Downs today, complete with odds and post positions.

3. Hansen (10-1)

Hansen has a good post position at No. 14 and he's an incredibly fast horse. There are concerns about his ability to close at 1 1/4 miles given his slight build, but it's not out of the question he sprints ahead of the field and holds off the competition.

He was named last season's best two-year-old, capping off an unbeaten three-start campaign with a victory in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He won the Gotham Stake in early March and placed a close second in his other two starts of 2012.

2. I'll Have Another (12-1)

I'll Have Another is unbeaten in two starts this year, including an impressive victory in the Santa Anita Derby on April 7. He's on the outside at the No. 19 post position, with the ability to close the gap given some log jams among the favorites.

1. Creative Cause (11-1)

Creative Cause has never been out of the money in eight career starts. He's a very consistent horse who won the San Felipe Stakes this year and placed a close second in the Santa Anita Derby to I'll Have Another. He owns four victories in his career and he's situated in a decent position at the No. 8 slot.