The 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby is only a few days away, and Wednesday night post positions will be randomly selected for the field. The announcement begins at 5:30 p.m. ET and can be viewed online via NBC Sports Live Extra. The morning-line odds will be announced following the draw.
Kentucky Derby 2016: How to watch the post position draw live online
Where will Kentucky Derby favorite Nyquist break from? We’ll learn that at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
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Which position a horse draws does matter, though the question remains whether how much of that is due the field itself and how much is due to the position.
Last year’s winner, American Pharoah, drew the eighth spot in the gate. Historically, horses have been able to win from almost anywhere except No. 17. More recently, however, the inside three positions have not had a winner since 1998. The No. 1, along the rail, hasn’t had a winner since 1986.
That leaves the best spots anywhere from the fifth position to the 15th, in the auxiliary gate, writes Christina Moore of America’s Best Racing.
A horse’s connections (trainer, owner and jockey) generally hope for a draw somewhere in the No. 5 to 15 range. Some trainers prefer the far outside of the main gate or the far inside of the auxiliary gate (gates 14 or 15) due to the extra space those positions afford.
Nyquist remains the predraw favorite for the Kentucky Derby after winning the Florida Derby in early April. Bettors have also had their eye on Mohaymen, who finished fourth in Florida after going undefeated during his 2-year-old season. Exaggerator has also been running strong in betting. While many people believe Nyquist to be the clear favorite due to his credentials, a more open field behind him means which post positions horses draw could be all the more important come race day.
At a glance:
142nd Kentucky Derby post position announcement:
Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
Streaming: NBC Sports Live Extra
TV: NBCSN
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