Intro
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most iconic and highly anticipated events in the world of horse racing. As the first leg of the American Triple Crown, it draws in millions of fans and enthusiasts from around the globe. One crucial aspect of the Kentucky Derby that can significantly impact a horse's chances of winning is the post position. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of Kentucky Derby post positions, providing you with a printable guide to help you make informed decisions.
Understanding Kentucky Derby Post Positions
The Kentucky Derby features a maximum of 20 horses, each assigned a specific post position. The post position is the spot where the horse will start the race, and it can greatly affect their chances of success. The post positions are numbered from 1 to 20, with 1 being the closest to the rail and 20 being the farthest.
How Post Positions Affect the Kentucky Derby
Post positions can impact the Kentucky Derby in several ways:
- Inside vs. Outside: Horses drawn to the inside posts (1-5) have a shorter distance to run and can conserve energy. On the other hand, horses on the outside posts (6-20) have to cover more ground, which can put them at a disadvantage.
- Traffic and Congestion: The Kentucky Derby is a crowded field, and horses on the inside posts are more likely to get caught in traffic. This can lead to lost momentum and increased energy expenditure.
- Break and Acceleration: Horses on the outside posts often have an easier time getting a clean break and accelerating into the first turn.
Printable Kentucky Derby Post Positions Guide
Here is a printable guide to help you understand the Kentucky Derby post positions:
| Post Position | Distance from Rail | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Closest to rail | Shortest distance, conserve energy | Risk of getting caught in traffic |
| 2-3 | Inside posts | Easy access to rail, good for early speed | Potential for congestion |
| 4-5 | Inside posts | Good balance between distance and congestion | Can get caught in traffic |
| 6-10 | Mid-pack posts | Clean break, easy acceleration | May get caught in mid-pack congestion |
| 11-15 | Outside posts | Wide open, easy to accelerate | Longer distance, more energy expenditure |
| 16-20 | Farthest from rail | Easy to break and accelerate | Longest distance, highest energy expenditure |
Kentucky Derby Post Position Statistics
Let's take a look at some statistics to better understand the impact of post positions on the Kentucky Derby:
- Winning Post Positions: Since 1930, the most common winning post positions have been 5 (12%), 10 (11%), and 1 (9%).
- Inside Posts: Horses drawn to the inside posts (1-5) have a 43% win rate, while those on the outside posts (6-20) have a 57% win rate.
- Post Position and Finish: Since 1990, horses starting from post positions 1-5 have averaged a finish of 5.3, while those starting from post positions 6-20 have averaged a finish of 6.5.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the Kentucky Derby post positions play a crucial role in determining a horse's chances of success. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each post position, you can make informed decisions and gain an edge in your Kentucky Derby betting strategy.
Remember to print out our Kentucky Derby post positions guide and keep it handy as you prepare for the big event. With this knowledge, you'll be well-equipped to analyze the field and make smart bets.
Kentucky Derby Post Positions Image Gallery
