Most Fortunate Starting Places in Kentucky Derby Racing
Veteran Reporter Larry Henry and the Kentucky Derby's Post Position Lore
Larry Henry, a seasoned reporter with experience in the world of political journalism, sports, and gaming, is never shy when it comes to spotlighting the keenest racing contests. As the favorite for this year's Kentucky Derby, Journalism, stakes its claim on the coveted No. 8 post position, a spot that's proven its fortunes over the years.
Since 1991, four horses have snatched the Kentucky Derby outright from just four post positions: Nos. 5, 8, 15, and 16. Post No. 8, the position that Journalism is running from, falls among the lucky ones carrying this historic momentum. Its "cavalry charge" from the starting gate is nothing new, and it's crucial for the jockey to navigate the 20-horse field and secure a comfortable position going into the first turn.
Despite being among the most successful post positions, luck remains a subjective factor within the racing arena. For instance, Sandman, a top contender displaying impressive lateral speed, finds itself in the less-enviable No. 17 post position, a spot that ore times than not, can work against a horse's momentum. Switching focus back to the lucky ones, post Nos. 5, 8, and 16 have boasted the most place finishes, making them skilled choices for a slightly safer bet.
Seeking a deeper understanding of the game, Aron Wellman, president and founder of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, emphasized how crucial positioning is to a horse's success. The action at the starting gate and the ensuing dash into the first turn can make or break a runner's chances, with each race playing out like its own unique chess match.
In the 151st Run for the Roses, the stakes are high, butHistory's lesson remains clear: luck is a variable factor that, when harnessed, can prove powerful. So buckle up, Kentucky Derby fans – it's time to root for the underdogs and the favorites alike, and witness the equine elite battle it out on the Churchill Downs racetrack.
Kentucky Derby Stats (Post Position Insights)
Some post positions have earned the reputation of being lucky or unlucky, with the following post numbers considering:- Most wins: 4 - Post Nos. 5, 8, 15, 16- Post positions yet to have won the race: 1, 2, 9, 11, 12, 14, 17- Most placed finishes (1st, 2nd, 3rd): - No. 5: 11 - No. 8: 10 - No. 16: 8- Fewest placed finishes: 1: No. 1 (2nd) & No. 17 (2nd)- Longest wait for a placed finish: 20 years: No. 12 (3rd in 2005)
Ranking the Post Positions- The "luckiest numbers" are post Nos. 5, 8, 15, and 16, with four wins apiece, making them prime candidates for an outright bet.- For a slightly safer each-way bet, post Nos. 5 (11), 8 (10), and 16 (8) offer the most place finishes.- Post No. 5 boasts the most place finishes and joint-most wins, solidifying it as the arguable "luckiest number" overall.- Post Nos. 1 and 17 represent the "unluckiest numbers," with only one second-place finish each since 1991. Although No. 12 hasn't secured a place finish in 20 years, maintaining the longest wait of any number.
2025 Kentucky Derby post positions
- Citizen Bull, Martin Garcia (20-1)
- Neoequos, Flavien Prat (30-1)
- Final Gambit, Luan Machado (30-1)
- Rodriguez, Mike Smith (12-1)
- American Promise, Nik Juarez (30-1)
- Admire Daytona, Christophe Lemaire (30-1)
- Luxor Cafe, Joao Moreira (15-1)
- Journalism, Umberto Rispoli (3-1)
- Burnham Square, Brian Hernandez Jr. (12-1)
- Grande, John Velazquez (20-1)
- Flying Mohawk, Joe Ramos (30-1)
- East Avenue, Manny Franco (20-1)
- Publisher, Irad Ortiz Jr. (20-1)
- Tiztastic, Joel Rosario (20-1)
- Render Judgement, Julien Leparoux (30-1)
- Coal Battle, Juan Vargas (30-1)
- Sandman, Jose Ortiz (6-1)
- Sovereignty, Junior Alvarado (5-1)
- Chunk of Gold, Jareth Loveberry (30-1)
- Owen Almighty, Javier Castellano (30-1)
Source: USA Today
Tune in and Witness History in the Making
- When: Saturday, May 3
- Coverage starts: 2:30 p.m. ET
- Post time: 6:57 p.m. ET
- Where: Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)
- Cable TV: NBC, USA Network
- Streaming: Fubo, Peacock
Remember: the Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown, with the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes following in May and June, respectively.
Get more information on Kentucky Derby betting from Gambling.com.
Under the Lens: Aron Wellman's Analysis of the Kentucky Derby Starting Gate
"It's an absolute cavalry charge coming out of the gate and into the first turn, that first quarter of a mile," Wellman says, highlighting the importance of positioning for success in the Kentucky Derby. Witness the action unfold on May 3, 2025, and catch this thrilling Run for the Roses.
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- The 2025 Kentucky Derby post positions revealed some interesting tidbits, with post No. 8 occupied by Journalism, a spot known for its historic momentum and high number of place finishes.
- As reported by USA Today, the "luckiest numbers" in the Kentucky Derby are post Nos. 5, 8, 15, and 16, which have collectively tallied four wins apiece, making them prime candidates for an outright bet in the upcoming race.
