Kentucky Derby 2016 Horses: Odds and Post Positions for Contenders and Sleepers

The horse racing world now knows the exact starting lineup for Saturday's 142nd Kentucky Derby after the draw on Wednesday afternoon.   

There are 20 horses that have qualified for the field as we take a look at where they'll start and the current odds:

Post Position	Horse	Odds
1	Trojan Nation	50-1
2	Suddenbreakingnews	20-1
3	Creator	10-1
4	Mo Tom	20-1
5	Gun Runner	10-1
6	My Man Sam	20-1
7	Oscar Nominated	50-1
8	Lani	30-1
9	Destin	15-1
10	Whitmore	20-1
11	Exaggerator	8-1
12	Tom's Ready	30-1
13	Nyquist	3-1
14	Mohaymen	10-1
15	Outwork	15-1
16	Shagaf	20-1
17	Mor Spirit	12-1
18	Majesto	30-1
19	Brody's Cause	12-1
20	Danzing Candy	15-1

Contenders

Nyquist

This Reddam Racing-owned three-year-old is the most successful and highest-earning horse in the field, having won all seven career races. He's looking to become the first undefeated horse to win the Derby since Seattle Slew in 1977.

His most recent triumph was a wire-to-wire victory at last month's Florida Derby in which he outran fellow Derby horses Mohaymen and Majesto:

Nyquist, named after Detroit Red Wings forward Gustav Nyquist, can keep up with any style of horse, as he can start strong, maintain his speed and then kick it up a notch on the backstretch. 

He will have his work cut out for him from the No. 13 stall, though, given that there will be some speed horses on the outside who will give him a run for his money. 

But if he is able to get out to his usual start and avoid being bogged down in the middle of the pack, he should be just fine to make a push for a Derby win. 

Exaggerator

Exaggerator might not be nearly as successful as Nyquist, as he's had just one win this season, but his one win was a big one at the Santa Anita Derby in April:

As seen above, it doesn't necessarily matter what kind of start he has because his closing speed is something that is a serious threat to whoever will be leading in the homestretch. 

That means his post position of No. 11 doesn't hurt as much as Nyquist's at No. 13. As long as he is near the outside come the final stretch of the race, he'll make a serious charge for the win. 

Sleepers

Danzing Candy

Though the horse isn't getting as much attention as Nyquist, Exaggerator and Creator, Danzing Candy is one to watch. 

In five career starts, he's won three times but didn't show in his other two. 

Regardless, this is a horse with blazing speed, which helps create big cushions—like the one in the San Felipe Stakes in March:

At the far outside in stall No. 20, Danzing Candy's start will have a major effect on this race. If he's able to clear the field with a quick start, then he'll be the one to set the pace. If he doesn't, then he'll have a tough time building up enough steam to move up and make a run late. 

Whitmore

Whitmore hasn't won a race since January, and at 20-1 odds, he probably won't be a popular pick, although he did mount a late charge in the Arkansas Derby to finish third.

But this horse is a sleeper that could make some noise at the Kentucky Derby because of his jockey. 

Veteran Victor Espinoza is no stranger to the winner's circle at Churchill Downs. He won in 2014 with California Chrome and last year with Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.

If he's able to pull out another victory on Saturday, he'll be the first jockey to ever win three consecutive Kentucky Derbies. 

Given his ability to make late pushes toward the end of races paired with a jockey who knows how to win at Churchill Downs, Whitmore could surprise some people. 

Stats courtesy of Equibase.com.