2012 Kentucky Derby Entries: Dark Horses Best Suited to Pull off Upset

The 138th Run for the Roses promises to excite those in attendance, those watching on their televisions and certainly anyone with a friendly wager on the result.

Much of the focus of Saturday's Kentucky Derby will be on 4-1 favorite Bodemeister, who is expected to take Churchill Downs by storm.

But which dark-horse contenders should you keep an eye out for?

Take a look at these thoroughbreds capable of stealing the spotlight at the last minute.

Take Charge Indy (15-1)

Notable jockey Calvin Borel will ride Take Charge Indy at Saturday's Kentucky Derby, making him an even sexier pick by many to contend with favorite Bodemeister. Take Charge Indy outclassed the field at the Florida Derby, leading from start to finish.

Last November, Take Charge Indy finished fifth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, his most recent race at the famous Churchill Downs. With a bloodline that includes 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, there is no telling what Take Charge Indy will do on Saturday.

Post Position: 3

Creative Cause (12-1)

Creative Cause is among the handful of favorites expected to challenge Saturday at the Kentucky Derby, and could easily find himself leading if he can harness the same energy he exuded last November at the Breeders' Cup. Creative Cause finished third in the Juvenile race, ahead of Take Charge Indy. 

Since last year, Creative Cause has posted three top-three finishes at Santa Anita Park, including a second-place finish at the Santa Anita Derby last month. A European champion, Creative Cause brings a bit of a wild card presence to this year's Derby.

Post Position: 8

Hansen (10-1)

Hansen is coming off an impressive performance at the 2011 Breeders' Cup, and is ridden by an experienced and world-class jockey in Ramon Dominguez. Dominguez won the 2010 and 2011 Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey while Hansen took first at the Breeders' Cup Juvenile last November.

Dominguez knows Hansen well and that jockey-horse relationship should not be overlooked on such a monumental stage. The fact that Hansen has already won at Churchill Downs is a huge advantage. Hansen even finished ahead of 9-2 favorite Union Rags at last fall's Breeders' Cup.

Post Position: 14

Follow Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more on Horse Racing.