using LARGE function in conditional formatting

[dougkpga]

I have 12 columns of numbers.

I would like to highlight in conditional formatting the 1st highest, 2nd highest and 3rd highest values of the 12 columns continuing many rows down the columns.

I can insert 3 additional columns using

=LARGE(A1:A12,1)

=LARGE(A1:A12,2)

=LARGE(A1:A12,3)

or 1 column using

=LARGE(A1:A12,1)&","&LARGE(A1:A12,2)&","&LARGE(A1:A12,3)

But I really would find it easier to highlight them with colour in cells A1 to A12 and down the rows.

Any suggestions please?