Kentucky Derby: American Pharoah draws post 18

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – American Pharoah on Wednesday night drew post 18 in a field of 20 for the 141st Kentucky Derby, in which he will start as the favorite on Saturday here at Churchill Downs.

The post, though quite wide, was viewed favorably by trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Victor Espinoza, both of whom said they preferred having the opportunity for a clear run to the first turn.

“That’s not a bad spot. He’ll be able to see what’s inside him,” Baffert said, referring to Espinoza.

Espinoza agreed, saying, “He’ll be in the clear.”

“I didn’t want to be inside,” Espinoza said. “Everybody could focus on me if I’m there. Now, I can see what they do and adjust.”

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American Pharoah was installed as the 5-2 favorite on the morning line set by Mike Battaglia of Churchill Downs. Dortmund, also trained by Baffert, is the second choice at 3-1, with Carpe Diem the third choice at 8-1.

Mike Watchmaker, Daily Racing Form’s national handicapper, has American Pharoah favored at 7-2, Dortmund at 4-1, and Carpe Diem the third choice at 10-1.

Dortmund landed post 8, which was a relief to Baffert since at that point in the draw, only a handful of posts remained, including No. 1, which Baffert wanted to avoid with the tall, rangy colt. When the No. 8 was announced for Dortmund, the tension in Baffert’s face melted away, and he broke into a wide smile.

“I didn’t want the 1,” he said later.

Trainer Todd Pletcher, who sends out four runners, landed post 2 with Carpe Diem, who has been reluctant to load before some of his races. By drawing that post, Carpe Diem will be one of the first runners loaded into the gate.

“He’s great inside the gate,” Pletcher said. “Every once in a while he’s a little reluctant to load, but once he’s in there, he’s fantastic. We weren’t looking to take back, no matter what post we came out of, so we’ll look to be in a good position, exactly where that’s going to be, I’m not sure. I don’t think anybody really knows. I don’t think anyone really knows what kind of trip they’re going to get just because of the post they drew.”

Upstart and Far Right drew the posts just outside American Pharoah in 19 and 20.

“You have to leave running and try to get to the first turn so you’re not caught six, eight wide,” said Rick Violette Jr., who trains Upstart. “Maybe we’ll be further back than you thought; we’ll see what happens. We’ll follow American Pharoah for a long way. He might part the waters for us a little bit. You have to deal with it, that’s all – nothing you can do about it.”

A total of 22 horses were entered in the Derby. The maximum number of horses who can run is 20, based on points earned in designated Derby prep races. The two with the fewest points, Frammento and Tale of Verve, were placed on the also-eligible list, in that order, since Frammento has earned points, while Tale of Verse, a surprise, last-second entrant, hasn’t earned any points and only won a maiden race last week at Keeneland.

In order for Frammento or Tale of Verve to get into the race, horses in the main body of the race must scratch before scratch time Friday morning. Scratch time is a full day before the Derby to facilitate early betting. Frammento would be the first horse in if one horse scratches. If two horses come out by Friday, both would get in. They would occupy the outside posts in the starting gate.

If anyone in the main body of the race is withdrawn after Friday morning, the also-eligibles are out of luck.

– additional reporting by David Grening

Kentucky Derby field
1. Ocho Ocho Ocho (E. Trujillo), 50-1
2. Carpe Diem (J. Velazquez), 8-1
3. Materiality (J. Castellano), 12-1
4. Tencendur (M. Franco), 30-1
5. Danzig Moon (J. Leparoux), 30-1
6. Mubtaahij (C. Soumillon), 20-1
7. El Kabeir (C. Borel), 30-1
8. Dortmund (M. Garcia), 3-1
9. Bolo (R. Bejarano), 30-1
10. Firing Line (G. Stevens), 12-1
11. Stanford (F. Geroux), 30-1
12. International Star (M. Mena), 20-1
13. Itsaknockout (L. Saez), 30-1
14. Keen Ice (K. Desormeaux), 50-1
15. Frosted (J. Rosario), 15-1
16. War Story (J. Talamo), 50-1
17. Mr. Z (R. Vazquez), 50-1
18. American Pharoah (V. Espinoza), 5-2
19. Upstart (J. Ortiz), 15-1
20. Far Right (M. Smith), 30-1
AE – Frammento (C. Nakatani)
AE – Tale of Verve (B. Hernandez)