post position draw

Medina Spirit (Protonico), who crossed the wire first in the May 1 GI Kentucky Derby, drew Post 3 at the post-position draw at Pimlico Race Course Tuesday afternoon. Trained by Bob Baffert, the colt was installed the 9-5 morning line favorite in the field of 10. Baffert is also represented by Concert Tour (Street Sense), who will break from gate 10 under Hall of Famer Mike Smith. The Gary and Mary West homebred took the GII San Vicente S. and GII Rebel S. earlier this season. Third choice on the...

In an industry steeped in history, the post position draw seems to be the most antiquated process. This system for post position selection is basically a mini lottery conducted by a pair of racing officials. One person randomly selects an entry page while the other pulls a numbered ball out of a bottle which represents a horse's post position. Imagine having a horse who has jumped through all the hoops--won or placed in a major prep race, traveled around the countryside, stayed sound and healthy all year long--earning a spot...