USA TODAY International Edition
Essential Quality shakes out as Derby draw winner at 14
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Brad Cox was sweating it but avoided the scarlet number.
As Tuesday morning’s post- position draw for the Kentucky Derby progressed, Cox’s undefeated Essential Quality hadn’t been selected and only post Nos. 1, 14 and 16 remained.
The No. 1 post hasn’t produced a winner since Ferdinand in 1986 and has become the dreaded spot for horse connections during the Derby draw.
“It was more than I wanted to experience this early in the week,” Cox said of the stress he felt.
Ultimately, the Louisville native could breathe a sigh of relief as Florida Derby winner Known Agenda drew the No. 1 hole.
Blue Grass winner Essential Quality picked up the No. 14 spot and was named the 2- 1 morning- line favorite for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs.
“It worked out for us,” Cox said. Oddsmaker Mike Battaglia put Santa Anita Derby winner Rock Your World as the No. 2 choice at 5- 1 odds, followed by Known Agenda ( 6- 1), Louisiana Derby winner Hot Rod Charlie ( 8- 1) and Blue Grass runner- up Highly Motivated ( 10- 1).
Rock Your World co- owner Michael Talla said he wanted the No. 10 post but was happy with No. 15.
“We’re happy right where we’re at,” Talla said. “We can win just fine from there.”
A full field of 20 was entered for the Kentucky Derby, which has a post time of approximately 6: 57 p. m. ET Saturday and will be televised live by NBC.
Here’s a look at the winners and losers from the draw Tuesday:
Winners
Essential Quality – While No. 14 may not have been Cox’s first choice, it was much preferred to the possibility of being on the rail.
Cox noted that the new 20- stall starting gate that was first used at last year’s Kentucky Derby has made it easier for the No. 1 horse, allowing for more room to maneuver.
“That was the positive spin I was going to put on it if I ended up with the 1 hole,” Cox said. “Fortunately I don’t have to use that excuse or use that positive spin. We’re very happy with where we are.”
Hot Rod Charlie – Based on crowd response, Hot Rod Charlie’s connections were very pleased after drawing the No. 9 post, letting out a loud cheer as the number was announced.
“We decided we were going to give it a pump no matter what post we drew, but we’re delighted with the nine,” trainer Doug O’Neill said. “It’s a real good post.
“And the way they load this field, it means we won’t be standing in the gate very long. They’ll put us in, then
one other, and we’re gone.”
Sainthood – If you’re a numbers bettor, Sainthood’s No. 5 spot is intriguing. With 10 winners, the No. 5 post has produced the most Kentucky Derby winners since a starting gate was introduced in 1930.
Always Dreaming ( 2017) and California Chrome ( 2014) are the most recent winners from the No. 5 post.
Losers
Known Agenda – When the No. 1 spot was announced for Known Agenda, trainer Todd Pletcher simply shook his head.
“I started weeping openly,” Pletcher said with a smile. “I had my eye on it the whole time.”
Pletcher has four horses in the Kentucky Derby, but Known Agenda is considered the one with the best chance. Pletcher noted Known Agenda raced inside while winning the Florida Derby.
“He got into the first turn and down the backside, and he was able to advance and improve his position in there and show that he can handle being inside,” Pletcher said.
“He didn’t do that so much as a 2- year- old in the Remsen before we put blinkers on him. But it’s just not an ideal post to start.”
Bourbonic – Pletcher also drew the outside post with No. 20 Bourbonic, though that might not be such a terrible spot for the late- running colt.
“We wouldn’t have chosen this post, but he will be OK,” Pletcher said. “He’s going to drop back and make one run, so it’ll work out.”
Highly Motivated – The Chad Brown trainee will break from the No. 17 post, which never has produced a Kentucky Derby winner in 41 attempts. Forty Niner came the closest, finishing second behind Winning Colors in 1988.
“It’s a little farther outside than we would have liked, but there’s a long run into the turn and this horse clearly has a lot of natural speed,” Brown said.
“Hopefully we’ll be forward enough to come over and get some position into the first turn.”