Kentucky Derby 2012 Post Positions: Updates on Top Horses

The 2012 Kentucky Derby post positions have been given, and the final preparations are being made for the horse racing's biggest moment of the year.

The race is set to start on Saturday, May 5 at 6:24 P.M. ET, and at 6:26, the world will have it's new champion.

Here's the latest news on five favorites in this year's race.

Bodemeister 4-1, Post No. 6

Bob Baffert's colt is the early favorite to finish first at Churchill Downs, and Bodemeister's chances only got better when he drew the No. 6 post position.

Six past winners have came out of the No. 6 gate, and Baffert will be relieved that his best horse received such a favorable draw.

In 2010, his horse Lookin at Lucky was the early favorite to win the Derby, but was given the No. 1 position and never made it off the inside track.

Bodemeister is Baffert's third thoroughbred to be the early odds-on favorite. The first two did not win, but this horse has everything going for him right now.

Union Rags 9-2, Post No. 4

While Bodemeister will steal a lot of attention before the race, Union Rags will look to steal the glory during it.

Just two spots over from the favorite, Union Rags is poised to be Michael R. Matz's next miracle horse.

In 2006, Matz's horse, Barbaro posted the largest margin of victory at the Derby in 60 years, but the colt's career met an untimely end during the Preakness. 

Matz is hoping to strike gold twice, and Union Rags may just be his next treasure.

Gemologist 6-1, Post No. 15

Todd Pletcher brings his horse, Gemologist, into Churchill Downs as the only undefeated horse in the race.

The thoroughbred drew the No. 15 post position, which is a favorable spot.

Pletcher and jockey Javier Castellano will have this horse ready for to keep its five-race unbeaten streak alive on May 5.

Many feel that Gemologist should be a favorite, and colt gives great value at 6-1 odds.

Dullahan 8-1, Post No. 5

Dullahan will be sandwiched in between the two favorites, but this colt does not shy away from competition and picks up speed when it matters most.

Dale Romans' colt has shown a knack for coming on late in races, and that will be a useful skill come May 5.

This year's field is one of the most competitive in years, and some horses are going to have to make a push early to stay out of in front.

Late-charging horses will have a great shot to take advantage in the year's Derby, and Dullahan has the necessary experience in these situations to finish first.

Hansen 10-1, Post No. 14

Trainer Mike Maker had a nerve-racking experience during the draw.

It came down to Maker's horse, Hansen, and Daddy Long Legs with the No. 1 position still open.

Maker and jockey Ramon Dominguez instead were placed into the favorable No. 14 spot, and still have a solid chance at winning the race.

Maker has been lucky once already, and he will hope that his good fortunes continue on May 5 at Churchill Downs