2011 Breeders' Cup Results: Hansen Proves Why He Is Kentucky Derby Favorite

Union Rags—favorite to win the $2 million 2011 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile—had nothing on the eventual winner Hansen. After the two-year-old’s performance at Churchill Downs, he proved why he is considered the favorite for the 2012 Kentucky Derby.

Hansen’s time was 1:44:44, and was paid $16.20 to win at 7-1 odds. He was being pressured heavily down the stretch by Union Rags and Creative Cause but showed great resilience by keeping his lead.

After the victory, it is clear that he is the favorite for the Run for the Roses. To win in that fashion, overtaking the favorite Union Rags in the process, should give you respect amongst horse racing fans everywhere

Gamblers will surely take the bait, just like every other year in the world of horse racing. He will certainly be a favorite by the gamblers across the world, and rightfully so.

Ramon Dominguez was the rider on Hansen. Dominguez believes he has an extraordinary horse, saying:

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“Going into the first turn, he was a little aggressive. That made me a little concerned. When we got to the backside ... he came back to me and relaxed beautiful. I got pressed pretty early, around the three-eighths pole, but he continued coming for me. I'm very pleased. He’s special.”

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He’s right—Hansen is special. He is special enough to win at the Kentucky Derby. With training, extra support and a solid team around him, Hansen has all the tools to win at the momentous event in 2012.