Kentucky Derby 2012 Contenders: Projecting How Top Horses Will Finish

The 138th edition of the Kentucky Derby will take place this Saturday. With such strong contenders this year, it's going to be a fantastic race. 

While there are big-time favorites, some of the horses with longer odds to win still have a chance.

Anything can happen at Churchill Downs this weekend, which is exactly why the Kentucky Derby is such an exciting and fun event. 

It's the fastest two minutes in sports, and there's no doubt it will be a heated race. That being said, here's how I project the top horses will finish. 

Alpha

According to KentuckyDerby.info, Alpha currently sits at 15/1 odds to win the big race.

In the six races Alpha competed in leading up to the derby, the colt won three of them and took second place in others, losing to Union Rags and Gemologist, two Derby favorites. 

Alpha has a strong shot, but an 11th-place finish at Breeders' Cup Juvenile against some of the Derby's top contenders is perfect proof that Alpha won't be winning this weekend. 

Projected Finish: Top 10  

Daddy Nose Best

At 15/1 odds, Daddy Nose Best will attempt to contend for the top spot, but it's doubtful that the colt thrives at Churchill Downs. 

At least the three-year-old can relish in the fact is has one of the best horse names in the 2012 Kentucky Derby. 

Inconsistent performances in the races leading up to derby will be Daddy Nose Best's downfall. 

Projected Finish: Outside Top 10 

Creative Cause

At 12/1 odds and a good track record, Creative Cause is a solid sleeper pick for the big race this weekend. 

In the eight races in preparation for the Derby, Creative Cause took first in half of them, beating some intense competition along the way. 

Look for Creative Cause to thrive on Saturday, doing enough to finish in the top five but just missing out on the top three. 

Projected Finish: Top Five

I’ll Have Another

Also at 12/1 odds, I'll Have Another enters the Kentucky Derby with great momentum. 

In the colt's last two starts, he took first place, which is a great feeling leading up to the big race on Saturday. 

I'll Have Another will contend for the derby, but I don't foresee a surprise placing for the three-year-old. 

Projected Finish: Top 10 

Hansen

With 10/1 odds at the moment, Hansen is another strong contender this weekend. 

The colt took first place in four of its last six races, including a victory over Union Rags and Creative Cause at the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. 

Hansen has the talent to win this weekend, but the field is very strong. The three-year-old will put up a good fight, but the others will outlast Hansen.

Projected Finish: Top 10 

Take Charge Indy

At 10/1 odds right now, Take Charge Indy is another great sleeper pick for the 138th edition of the Kentucky Derby. 

The main reason for this is because the ever-so popular jockey Calvin Borel will riding the colt on Saturday. Borel has won three of the last five Derbys, so whichever horse he is on is typically a contender.

In addition to having Borel, the three-year-old also won the Florida Derby, which is a good sign leading up to the Kentucky Derby. I think Take Charge Indy will do well but just miss out on placing. 

Projected Finish: Top Five

Union Rags

At 9/2 odds, Union Rags was the top favorite before the post positions were announced. 

The colt drew the No. 4 post position, meaning there is potential to get pushed to the back out of the starting gate when everyone gears for the inside. 

Union Rags has phenomenal talent and great experience, though, which is why I think he'll shine bright and take second place. 

Projected Finish: Second Place

Dullahan

At 8/1 odds, Dullahan got a boost from receiving a solid post position earlier this week. 

The colt will begin the race at No. 5 position, which is a good spot for a closing horse like Dullahan. 

Having recently won the Blue Grass Stakes, Dullahan has great momentum entering the race this weekend, so expect a good showing from the three-year-old. 

Projected Finish: Top 10

Gemologist

At 6/1 odds, Gemologist is becoming a sexy pick for bettors. Given the colt's recent success, it's easy to see why he's a popular pick. 

In the five races leading up to the derby, Gemologist won every single one of them. Sure, the colt didn't race against some of the top talent of the Kentucky Derby, but being so dominant makes Gemologist a threat this weekend. 

Trained by Todd A. Pletcher, a hot-shot trainer in the horse racing industry, Gemologist should put on a great show this Saturday. 

Projected Finish: Third Place 

Bodemeister

At 4/1 odds, Bodemeister became the top favorite after the post positions were announced.

Starting at No. 6, Bodemeister will be a major contender this weekend. The colt had an impressive win the Arkansas Derby, which is a big confidence boost heading into the Kentucky Derby. 

Bodemeister's trainer is Bob Baffert, which is a huge help considering he is a man who has won the Kentucky Derby with three different horses, the most recent happening in 2002. 

Projected Finish: First Place