Favored Nyquist draws 13th post for Kentucky Derby
Unbeaten Nyquist drew the 13th post for Saturday's Kentucky Derby and was installed as the 3-1 early favorite for the first jewel in US flat racing's Triple Crown.
Trained by Doug O'Neill, who saddled 2012 Kentucky Derby winner I'll Have Another, Nyquist has won all seven of his races, including four Grade One stakes.
He won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Keeneland in October and on Saturday will try to become the fourth straight favorite to triumph in the 1 1/4-mile Derby at Churchill Downs.
Nyquist is washed in the barn area during the morning training for the 2016 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky ©Andy Lyons (Getty/AFP)
The draw could be a factor on Saturday, with a field of 20 horses, and O'Neill said he was happy with the number 13 slot for Nyquist, who will be ridden by Mario Gutierrez.
"I'm very happy with 13 and very happy with how well he's doing," O'Neill said.
Exaggerator, coming off a victory in the Santa Anita Derby, drew the 11th post and was installed as the 8-1 second choice.
Three horses, Creator, Gun Runner and Mohayman, were priced at 10-1.
Of the few horses in the field known for early speed, Outwork will break from the 15th post and Danzing Candy the 20th.
"It's not that bad, it's better than having one, two or three," said Danzing Candy trainer Cliff Sise. "With one, two or three you've just got to come out of there running. If somebody else wants to go, we'll lay second."
Bob Baffert, the trainer who guided American Pharoah to Triple Crown glory last year, saddles Mor Spirit, who will break from the 17th post under Gary Stevens, priced at 12-1.
