Kentucky Derby Odds 2012: Long Shots Ready to Steal Thunder at Churchill Downs

Forget the odds; long shots have an equal opportunity to win the 2012 Kentucky Derby. It's up for grabs once the competition begins.

Generally, long shots are in great position to steal thunder down the stretch. 2012 will be no different.

These horses are ready to steal that thunder at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

Done Talking (50/1)

Sheldon Russell will be riding Done Talking on Saturday at the Kentucky Derby. At post position No. 17, Done Talking will have a great opportunity to charge down the stretch. It's not the best positioning, but certainly not the worse either.

Done Talking's 10th place finish in the Grade III Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, New York in March was the worst of his seven-race career. Prior to that, Done Talking finished fourth or better in every race.

 

Daddy Nose Best (15/1)

Sitting at post position No. 10, Daddy Nose Best is in great position to steal thunder at this year's spectacle.

The No. 10 position is a great spot to do work. Daddy Nose Best will be in the mix down the stretch if the initial burst out of the gates is there.

We'll see how Daddy Nose Best handles being in the mix late.

Take Charge Indy (15/1)

Calvin Borel, three-time Kentucky Derby jockey, will saddle up on Take Charge Indy. Borel knows how to race at Churchill Downs; he has won three of five races.

You may not realize but jockeys are vitally important to the race. They aren't the deciding factor because the horse will run hard and fast if they choose to; however, jockeys play a major role with the horse.

Borel is the most specific example of why jockeys are important. He may have gotten lucky once or maybe even twice, but three times is no coincidence.

This guy can flat-out get it done.

Prediction

Hansen has the energy to win the Kentucky Derby. People aren't giving him the respect I believe he deserves, and I think he's ready to prove them wrong.