Kentucky Derby 2012 Post Positions: Bold Predictions Based on Positioning

Post positions aren't necessarily a guarantee of success or a death knell in the Kentucky Derby, but they can give horses an advantage or disadvantage.

This year's favorites weren't affected much by the post positions, but a few of the sleeper horses got a boost, while a few other hopeful sleepers were put in trouble spots.

The 138th "Run for the Roses" is as wide open a field as we've seen in recent years. Of the 20-horse field, only four sport single-digit odds the day before the race. 

So with all that in mind, here's a look at a few bold predictions for the "most exciting two minutes in sports" based on post positions.

Take Charge Indy and Calvin Borel Will Make A Run On the Inside

Riding out of the No. 3 post, Take Charge Indy is fortunate enough to have a three-time Kentucky Derby winning jockey on board who loves to work the rail.

In fact, Borel is jokingly called "Bo-Rail" for all his success from the inside.

A current 10-1 shot according to Sportsbook.com, Take Charge Indy is far enough away from the pacesetter, Trinniberg, to fall in line and get a chance to work some magic.

Most would say this is trouble, but Borel will make a run.

Dullahan Will Struggle Between Union Rags and Bodemeister

The two top favorites will break from posts 4 and 6, respectively, with fast-rising Dullahan in between them.

At 8-1, many have jumped on board with this colt, but he has not found the winner's circle in three previous races at Churchill Downs.

Depending on the pace, he won't have a ton of room to work, with both Union Rags and Bodemeister hanging nearby.

Don't be surprised at all if he doesn't factor in the money.

Trinniberg Will Last Longer Than Expected

The pacesetter in this race is expected to get out quick, fast and strong and then die out.

But we've seen crazier things happen at Churchill Downs and Trinniberg, currently a 50-1, will make good use of the open track in front of him for longer than expected.

Horses are going to have to work just to keep up with him and if he can dig deep for just a bit longer he could factor in down the stretch.

Hansen Will Run Close to the Front

Although coming from the No. 14 post, the nearly white horse will burst out close to the pace set by Trinniberg, but has a lot more staying power.

He's working from the first post in the second gate, meaning he'll have more room to maneuver early and he's well outside of where Trinniberg will get his start.

This horse isn't just a runner; he's capable of notching a win here.

Gemologist Will Win from the 15th Post

This undefeated colt comes into the Derby not having faced such stiff competition, but he also got himself a favorable position to run from.

Like Hansen, Gemologist is in the second gate and has plenty of room to maneuver. He's not going to run with the pace, so he'll fall in and set up where he knows he can the best, when the time to go comes around.

Barring any insanity—which is entirely possible—this current 6-1 shot will time his move perfectly and blast off down the back stretch to earn a win at Churchill Downs.

Hansen will be close with him and it wouldn't be surprising if I'll Have Another comes along for the ride as well from the 19th post.

PP-Horse-Jockey

1-Daddy Long Legs-Colm O’Donoghue
2-Optimizer-Jon Court
3-Take Charge Indy-Calvin Borel
4-Union Rags-Julien Leparoux
5-Dullahan-Kent Desormeaux
6-Bodemeister-Mike Smith
7-Rousing Sermon-Jose Lezcano
8-Creative Cause-Joel Rosario
9-Trinniberg-Willie Martinez
10-Daddy Knows Best-Garrett Gomez
11-Alpha-Rajiv Maragh
12-Prospective-Luis Contreras
13-Went the Day Well-John Velazquez
14-Hansen-Ramon Dominguez
15-Gemologist-Javier Castellano
16-El Padrino-Rafael Bejarano
17-Done Talking-Sheldon Russell
18-Sabercat-Corey Nakatani
19-I’ll Have Another-Martin Gutierrez
20-Liaison-Martin Garcia