2011 Breeders Cup Results: Hansen Is Clear Derby Favorite after Decisive Win

Hansen surely wasn't the favorite on Saturday; that distinction belonged to Union Rags who came in at very attractive 6-5 odds. Odds don't run races, horses do and Hansen proved that with a decisive win.

The 2-year-old colt defeated the favorite by a little more than a head and thereby made himself the winter book favorite for the Kentucky Derby in 2012.

Many still believe Union Rags will be the favorite as the race draws closer, but the erratic way he ran the Breeders Cup leaves plenty of doubt on that front.

Hansen's owner, Kendall Hansen now has control of a hot horse, who has two of his last three starts. Hansen was quicker, fresher and showed the determination to hold off Union Rags and Creative Cause as both made a last ditch charge.

Union Rags positioning during the race is what really seemed to cost him the race. Trakus, the data-tracking service reported that he had run approximately 78 feet more than the field. This was caused by running wide for such a large percentage of the race.

Hansen's big race instincts were superior and one would have to believe that could continue some May of 2012. When asked about his journey, Kendall Hansen summed his career up this way:

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“I started at Turfway 30 years ago as a handicapper. I’d drive in from Indianapolis before I’d go to medical school,” Hansen said. “I hope we can make our way back to run in the Lane’s (End Stakes) at Turfway on our way to the Derby. I love it.”

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This ride may not be over.