Kentucky Derby 2012: Hansen Will Thrive Under Pressure to Win

Hansen is ready to prove that he's one of the best horses in the sport of horse racing. He has the speed, post position and energy to last the entire one-and-one-quarter miles at the 138th Kentucky Derby.

The two-year-old colt will thrive under the Kentucky Derby pressure to win at Churchill Downs.

Hansen has the energy, despite a smaller build, to last the entire race. According to Gene Kershner of Buffalonews.com, Hansen's owners notice his energy.

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If we run our race and we go out in 47 and three [or 48], nobody's going to be able to get us. There are a lot of doubters on that last eighth-mile but Hansen has not even been breathing hard after the last four races. We've had to pull him up because he wants to go around the track again.

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If the biggest question is Hansen's ability to last the entire race, his energy level certainly makes him look capable of doing so.

At 10-1 odds and in the No. 14 position, Hansen will use that energy combined with decent position to pull away from the pack and maintain position.

Generally, at the Kentucky Derby, the favorites rarely pan out. Usually the winner are horses that nobody expects to win or horses that nobody is talking about despite having all the talent in the world.

1Hansen's odds aren't long, but he isn't getting the recognition he deserves for being one of the better horses in the world.

Expect Hansen to surprise people with his endurance level in the final stretch to win the derby.