Kentucky Derby Picks 2016: Predictions and Odds for All Horses in the Lineup

The 142nd edition of the Kentucky Derby is just days away; 20 horses will attempt to take their first step toward the Triple Crown. 

Post positions are set, and the morning line has been announced after Wednesday's Derby draw as we take a look at the field and odds heading into Saturday:

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

Predictions

Danzing Candy Will Set the Pace

Danzing Candy might not show at the Kentucky Derby, but he could grab some attention right out of the stall. 

This is a speed horse that can fly out of the gates to take a lead and he'll need to do so if there is any chance of winning. 

Having drawn the No. 20 post, Danzing Candy will have to clear the field and make a move to the inside to get the lead, or he'll have a lot of work to do just to get to the front of the pack. 

That's why I would expect jockey Mike Smith to really stress on gunning it from the start. 

Expect Late Pushes From Exaggerator and Whitmore

It's not always about how you start, it's how you finish, and Exaggerator and Whitmore could be the ones to create a very exciting finish at Churchill Downs on Saturday. 

Both horses showed their last-minute surges recently, with Exaggerator winning the Santa Anita Derby and Whitmore making a charge in the Arkansas Derby, one he would finish in third. 

Here's Exaggerator at Santa Anita:

And Whitmore losing out to Kentucky Derby favorite Nyquist:

Given their recent history, no lead is safe and the ending of this race could be one of the most exhilarating ever. 

Nyquist Will Smell the Roses

This horse just doesn't lose. 

In seven career races, Nyquist has won every single one, most of them in convincing fashion as he is the most consistent horse in the field. He is also the most accomplished and highest-earning horse in the Derby as well. 

This horse just exudes raw power and is the type of horse that can explode out to a lead and stay there for the entire 1 ¼-mile distance. 

If history suggests anything, he'll have a good showing coming out of the gate at post No. 13, per ESPN's Dana O'Neil:

But this is the kind of horse that doesn't need to rely on history or a good stall to win at Churchill Downs. He has the intangibles to do so all on his own.