Nyquist to start Kentucky Derby from No. 13 post position

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Post positions rarely matter except at tracks where certain styles are winning more than normal. They also matter in the Kentucky Derby because there are 20 horses in two gates and it is the Derby where everything matters.

Nyquist, the unbeaten 3-1 morning-line favorite drew post 13, just one spot from the end of the main gate. The other six horses will be in the auxiliary gate.

Nyquist's trainer Doug O'Neill was not unhappy with the post, but was more interested in the horses outside Nyquist, especially the likely pacesetter, the very fast Danzing Candy who drew the 20 post.

"It will be interesting to see with Danzing Candy what they are going to do," O'Neill said. "Will they try to clear everybody?"

O'Neill's horse is quite versatile, but what happens in front is always meaningful.

"I'm just honored and privileged to be around him every day," O'Neill said of Nyquist. "We're very optimistic . . . On a daily basis, we celebrate what he's done for us already."

In the two decades of 20-horse fields, high numbers have been winning numbers. The race has been won by a horse from post 16 four times, post 15 four times, posts 13, 19 and 20 once each. Staying clear of the mayhem nearer the rail has often been a ticket to the winner's circle.

Nyquist has one of those higher numbers. The post won't get him to the winner's circle, but it won't hurt his chances either.

@DickJerardi