Kentucky Derby 2012 Post Positions: Power Ranking the Best Slotting to Have

With the 2012 Kentucky Derby ready to kickoff, it’s time to give final consideration to which bets you are going to make just as the books begin to close.

Those last-second bets can be the most devastating, but they can also be the most rewarding.

Wherever you fall in the debate about post position, there is no denying that certain slots produce more winners. Still don't believe me? Check the facts!

Kentucky Derby Post History (1900-2011)

Position	Wins
1	12
2	9
3	8
4	11
5	12
6	6
7	8
8	10
9	4
10	10
11	3
12	3
13	4
14	2
15	3
16	4
17	0
18	1
19	0
20	2

Here we power rank the slots that have the perfect combination of history and talent to make a serious run at a Kentucky Derby win in 2012.

1. Post No. 5: Dullahan

While Dullahan isn’t one of the more well-known horses in the field, he has the slot and the straightaway speed to be a real surprise. If he can avoid the traffic early and, more importantly, maintain his stamina through the entire race, Dullahan could be the shock of the day.

2. Post No. 4: Union Rags

The inspiration story of Union Rags may win the hearts of fans, but it won’t win the race. What has the horse on the right track to winning the 2012 Kentucky Derby is a combination of sheer talent, experience, momentum and a great draw on the post.

3. Post No. 8: Creative Cause

Another long shot that drew an amazing slot, Creative Cause could be the ultimate unknown in the top 10 slots. If the horse gets out of the gates fast, he will be there throughout. If Creative Cause starts slow, he could slow the whole pack.

4. Post No. 10: Daddy Nose Best

While post No. 10 is very successful, the log jam of traffic to the inside may be this horse's chance to come out of the gate straight away and stay on the outside. If Daddy Nose Best stays on the outside and slides to the rail over the course of the race, there is a chance.

5. Post No. 2: Optimizer

While I personally don’t like horses this close to the rail, many people feel that the closer to the rail you are to the inside without being No. 1 the better off you are. While I disagree, Optimizer is the pick if you subscribe to that methodology.

Check back for more on horse racing as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s Horse Racing Page to get your fill of all things from the ponies.

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