Kentucky Derby Post-Position Draw Set For Saturday, April 26

This Saturday, the Kentucky Derby post-position draw will reveal the starting position for each thoroughbred vying to win the 151st Run for the Roses in Louisville.

Aron Wellman, president and founder of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, whose horse, Journalism, is favored in the May 3 race, noted that the post position “is going to be very important." The field of 20 horses will compete on a 1 1/4-mile dirt track at Churchill Downs.

Wellman appeared in a recent episode of Gambling.com's “The Edge.”

“It's an absolute cavalry charge coming out of the gate and into the first turn, that first quarter of a mile,” Wellman said. “So getting position and comfortable position going into the first turn will be absolutely crucial to his success. A lot of that is going to hinge on where he draws at the post-position draw.”

In addition to Journalism, other prominent horse in this year’s race include Rodriguez, Sandman and Burnham Square.

The post-position draw on Saturday, April 26, will be closely watched, with post Nos. 5 and 20 “generally” having the best win percentage (10.5% each), according to the Louisville Courier Journal. In 2024, Mystik Dan won from post No. 3. The least favorable position is considered to be post No. 17, which has never produced a winner.

Derby Betting Remains Strong

According to the Courier Journal, the Kentucky Derby continues to break wagering and viewership records. Last year, all-source betting reached $320.5 million, topping the previous high of $288.7 million in 2023.

The newspaper noted that the Derby was first run in 1875 and is “the longest continually held major sporting event” in the country. It is the first leg of the Triple Crown. In all, 13 horses have won the Triple Crown, the last being Justify in 2018.

2025 Triple Crown Schedule

• The Kentucky Derby: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky, May 3
• The Preakness Stakes: Pimlico, Baltimore, Maryland, May 17
• The Belmont Stakes: Saratoga*, New York, June 7

*Note: This race is being held in Saratoga as work continues on a  $550 million upgrade at Belmont Park in Elmont on Long Island, just east of New York City.

Get more information on Kentucky Derby betting from Gambling.com.