Kentucky Derby 2015: Latest News, Live Stream, TV Info for Post Position Draw
The luck of the draw has more of a direct impact on sporting events than fans care to admit.
Whether it is the bounce of the pingpong balls in the NBA draft lottery sending LeBron James Cleveland’s way, a gust of wind on a game-winning field goal or an unfortunate short hop on a critical ground ball, luck always plays a role in sports. Luck plays a part in horse racing as well at the Kentucky Derby post position draw.
Even the best horses face uphill battles if they receive less-than-ideal post positions.
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With that in mind, here is a look at the essential information for Wednesday's draw and the Kentucky Derby odds, per Odds Shark, as of Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET.
Kentucky Derby Post Position Draw
Date: Wednesday, April 29
Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
TV Info: NBC Sports Network
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra
Kentucky Derby Odds
| American Pharoah | 9-4 |
| Dortmund | 9-2 |
| Carpe Diem | 7-1 |
| Mubtaahij | 12-1 |
| Materiality | 12-1 |
| Frosted | 16-1 |
| Firing Line | 16-1 |
| International Star | 18-1 |
| Upstart | 20-1 |
| El Kabeir | 33-1 |
| Far Right | 33-1 |
| Itsaknockout | 33-1 |
| Bolo | 40-1 |
| Danzig Moon | 40-1 |
| Ocho Ocho Ocho | 40-1 |
| Mr. Z | 40-1 |
| Keen Ice | 40-1 |
| War Story | 40-1 |
| Stanford | 66-1 |
| Tencendur | 66-1 |
Post Position Draw Preview
Nobody understands the importance of the post position draw more than trainer Bob Baffert, who brings the two favored horses to the table for the 2015 Kentucky Derby.
American Pharoah and Dortmund both hail from Baffert's stable, but the famous trainer also had the favorite in 2010 with Lookin at Lucky, who drew the No. 1 post against the rails and finished in a disappointing sixth place at the Derby.
Jonathan Lintner of The Courier-Journal in Louisville noted that "for several years until 2010, Churchill Downs pulled pills at random to determine order in which trainers selected their posts."
The draw changed to randomized post positions in 2010.
Baffert seems to prefer the old system heading into the 2015 Kentucky Derby, according to Lintner: "With 20 horses, I wish we just had it back to where you pick your own. The 1 hole, I don't even talk about it because you know how it can be. To me, I think the post is going to be very important—and the break."
There is a reason Baffert (and others) fear the No. 1 post. Ferdinand was the last Derby winner to start from the No. 1 post, and he did so back in 1986. Starting against the rails is an easy way to get pinned inside early in the race, which cuts off any realistic chance at victory.
Things could be worse, though. The No. 17 post has never produced a winner in the history of the Derby, and eight different horses have worn the roses from the No. 1 post. Keep that in mind if your favorite horse earns the inside post during Wednesday’s draw.
American Pharoah, Dortmund and Carpe Diem, who is another top contender, have all demonstrated early speed in past victories and the ability to put the rest of the field away before the stretch run. With these horses so close in terms of speed and history, an ideal post position could mean the difference between victory and a disappointing showing.
Historically, the best positions to be in are the No. 5 and No. 10 posts. Nine Kentucky Derby winners have come from each of those posts—the most of all time—and they position the horses in the middle of the field. From there, skilled jockeys can maneuver their horses to the inside or outside depending on where the openings are and where the given horse thrives.
If American Pharoah or Dortmund lands a favorable middle position, it means trouble for the rest of the field.
Of course, American Pharoah means trouble for the rest of the field based on his speed alone. Tim Layden of Sports Illustrated praised the favorite’s chances leading up to the Derby:
American Pharoah won the Arkansas Derby, the Rebel at Oaklawn Park and the FrontRunner at Santa Anita Park. Imagine this horse with a favorable starting post.
Information regarding the records of various post positions is courtesy of KentuckyDerby.com.
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