Kentucky Derby Post Position Draw: Historic Look at Best Slots in Derby

With the post position draw for the 2013 Kentucky Derby taking place in a few short hours, it’s time to start thinking about how the results will impact the race.

Even with I’ll Have Another coming out of the No. 19 gate and capturing the first victory in the long history of the Run for the Roses out of that particular auxiliary gate spot, serious handicappers will be weighing post position heavily when making their bets.

Let’s take a look at a few positions that are ideal and could help springboard the horse lined up in the stall to a win on Saturday.

No. 4: 11 winners since 1900

The No. 4 gate is a great draw for talented stalkers and speedsters alike.

Thoroughbreds that prefer to hang back and wait until the stretch to strike will be elated if they are gifted this post position, while wire-to-wire runners have the space required to forge ahead of the pack.

If a contender such as Revolutionary—and jockey Calvin Borel—is able to start at this gate and have an easy path to the rail, it’s going to be much easier to win.

While Borel is skilled enough to also get to the rail from outside on the auxiliary gate, this inside position has been a blessing for many horses over the course of the years and makes life much easier for the rider.

No. 5: 12 winners since 1900

Along with the No. 1 spot, the No. 5 post position has been the kindest in Kentucky Derby history.

However, unlike the No. 1, the 5 isn’t smashed against the rail and—even with a mediocre start—a horse can navigate its way to the front of the pack and keep traffic behind him.

Any contender that plans to run wire-to-wire at a winnable pace will want the No. 5 spot.

In particular, Goldencents would benefit from this starting position and be able to use it to his advantage. If jockey Kevin Krigger can jump out fast and get Goldencents moving, they may cross the finish line without having to worry about getting caught from behind.

No. 8: 10 winners since 1900

Regardless of the odds, any competitor that lands the No. 8 starting post will have a real chance to win the 2013 Kentucky Derby.

Mine That Bird proved that when he became one of the longest shots in the history of this event to be adorned with the blanket of roses.

While it is not a magical spot, it is a tactically sound post position that allows a horse to stay right in the thick of things and versatile enough to allow the rider to strategize out of the gate.

It certainly wouldn’t be shocking if a 20-1 or lower contender came out of nowhere to win from the No. 8 stall. 

Kentucky Derby Historical Winners by Post Position (Since 1900)

PP	Winners	Most Recent
1	12	Ferdinand - 1986
2	9	Affirmed - 1978
3	8	Real Quiet - 1998
4	11	Super Saver - 2010
5	12	Funny Cide - 2003
6	6	Sea Hero - 1993
7	8	Street Sense - 2007
8	10	Mine That Bird - 2009
9	4	Riva Ridge - 1972
10	10	Giacomo - 2005
11	3	Winning Colors - 1988
12	3	Canonero II - 1971
13	4	Smarty Jones - 2004
14	2	Carry Back - 1961
15	3	Fusaichi Pegasus - 2000
16	4	Animal Kingdom - 2011
17	0	-
18	1	Gato Del Sol - 1982
19	1	I'll Have Another - 2012
20	2	Big Brown - 2008