The Kentucky Derby will be held without spectators, but racing fans are excited to see the infamous race after a long delay.
“Churchill Downs has worked diligently over the last several months to plan a safe Derby with a limited number of spectators in attendance,” the track said. “We were confident in that plan, but dedicated to remaining flexible using the best and most reliable information available.”
The drawing for the Kentucky Derby post positions is a big deal for jockeys and trainers. They want the best possible spot for their horse to have a clean run in the race.
Some post positions have a better history of winning the Kentucky Derby than others.
The Loaded Outside Gates
The favorite going into the race on Saturday will be Tiz the Law. He is coming off a win at the Belmont and will look for a Triple Crown shot.
Tiz the Law drew post 17 though, and no one has won the Kentucky Derby out of that spot since the starting gate was integrated in 1930.
“I like being on the outside, I didn’t particularly want to be out that far but he seems to handle everything that’s thrown at him so we’ll just have to leave it up to him,” said trainer Barclay Tagg. “It gives you a chance, if you have any speed at all, it gives you a chance to get a better position.”
Authentic will have odds right behind Tiz the Law, and he drew the far outside with gate 18. Only two horses have won the derby from this gate, but sometimes there is a 20 horse field.
“Not ideal for Authentic but I’m OK with it. He’s out of harm’s way. Just glad to be in the gate,” texted trainer Bob Baffert to Horse Racing Nation.
The other horse to watch is also coming from the outside. Honor A.P. is entering the race with high hopes out of gate 16 and one of the best jockeys in the sport with Mike Smith. Four horses have won from this gate.
“I just talked to (jockey) Mike (Smith) and he’s happy with it. I think it’s OK. There’s a long run to the first turn and I don’t have to worry about getting pushed down on the outside,” said trainer John Shirreffs.
The Best Spot to Be
The 5th gate has won the most Kentucky Derby’s since 1930 with ten total wins. This post went to Major Fed, who will be a longshot to win on Saturday.
Major Fed was also the first horse drawn, so their owners and trainers didn’t have to sweat it out too much. Trainer Greg Foley was just happy they didn’t get the far inside.
The 10th gate also has a great history with nine total wins. One of the favorites, Thousand Words, will be breaking from this gate. Hall of fame trainer Bob Baffert is also the trainer for this horse, and he has to like his chances from this gate.
