Post Positions Announced For Kentucky Derby

07 May 2005, Louisville, Kentucky, USA --- The field of 20 horses round the first turn during the 131st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Winner, Giacomo, ridden by Mike E. Smith, is on the far left in the pink and green silks. --- Image by © Steve Boyle/NewSport/Corbis

After last year’s excitement with American Pharaoh becoming the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978, a new crop of 20 horses have the opportunity to add their name to the exclusive list beginning this Saturday at the Kentucky Derby. On Wednesday, the post positions were announced for the “most exciting two minutes in sports”.

The current betting favorite Nyquist is favored with odds varying anywhere from 7-2 to 3-1, depending upon which sports book is giving the odds. Nyquist drew the 13th position from the post. Undefeated in seven career races, Nyquist was trained by Doug O’Neill, rode by jockey Mario Gutierrez, and owned by Paul Reddam. O’Neill, Gutierrez, and Reddam previously combined to win the Kentucky Derby in 2012 with I’ll Have Another. The 13th post has been successful for Nyquist in the past, where it won the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile last year at Keeneland.

“The post draw didn’t matter to us a ton, but we’re happy being more toward the outside for sure,” said O’Neill.

Two other favorites will line up near Nyquist, with Exaggerator in the 11th position and Mohaymen on the outside in the 14th position. Exaggerator currently sits at 8-1 odds, second best in the field. Mohaymen has odds anywhere from 8-1 to 10-1 depending on the book. Mohaymen had made a push up the list of favorites before a disappointing showing at the Florida Derby. The 17th position is occupied by Mor Spirit, trained by American Pharaoh trainer Bob Baffert. Mor Spirit carries 12-1 odds at being Baffert’s fifth Kentucky Derby winner.

Post time for the Run for the Roses is this Saturday at 6:34 eastern/5:34 central and airs on NBC. After this weekend’s race, the Triple Crown will be rounded out on May 21st with the Preakness States and on June 11th with the Belmont Stakes.

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