look, the horse certainly has enough natural speed to break from the three hole and secure a reasonable running position while not totally compromising his running style. Did you notice in the Ark Derby with a shorter run to the turn he used that speed initially to deny Deadly Dealer an easy path to the rail?

An outside post would not be the end of the world for him either. In fact I think the PP draw is not that important in the derby. Except maybe for 1-2 and 19 and 20.

I take PP into consideration... definitely. The chances of a horse winning out of one of the far outside posts are probably slim.

Past winning post positions (past 20 years):

1986 - 1
1987 - 4
1988 - 8
1989 - 10
1990 - 7
1991 - 4
1992 - 7
1993 - 6
1994 - 6
1995 - 11
1996 - 4
1997 - 6
1998 - 2
1999 - 11
2000 - 12
2001 - 16
2002 - 5
2003 - 6
2004 - 15
2005 - 10
2006 - 8

Thank god Storm in May and Teuflesberg got the top two selections. It would have been a real shame if their chances had been compromised by poor post positions.

Too funny...

You forgot one.
2007 - 9.

That's right! Since horses coming out of the 9 hole haven't won in 20 years, I'm starting to doubt my dream! :p

When Curlin's connections select, I suspect #3 will be gone, a horse looking to show early speed will take #3, even #2 if they are dead set on gunning it. Certainly 20, 19, and 18 will remain along with #1...I suspect they will have to choose between #2 and #17.

That just means the 9-hole is due.
BUT.....what are we going to do if Cowtown Cat draws post 9?
Whose psychic abilities will win out....yours or mine?

Curlin really has it up against him...

Hopefully mine, but I won't hold my breath on that one!

Actually I have. I have seen him the past 3 days. There is a reason this horses didnt start at age 2 and I think it is because he is frail.

I have heard that Curlin is smallish, but the horse I'd consider 'frail' would be Circular Quay...

Well, he's a fast frail then... you're being over the top.

oh come on, you cant seriously compare the Ark Derby field to this field. In addition, the turn is so quick at Ark and the turn at Churchill is much much longer. I agree he has tatical speed, but I dont think he would be able to secure a position by the first turn.

good thing the race isn't over at the first turn.

Fast doesnt equate to being frail or vice versa. The horse is on the small side and I think he isnt that study of an animal. I think if he gets bounced around he will call it quits.

Any chance even tho SS has a good pick will take #3??? Dominican at #2 who is not fast out of the blocks


SS takes #3 and rides the rail??? Rather have him close to the closers rather than in the middle getting banged up some with Teuflesberg and others goin to the lead

I'm just messing with you.... this stuff happens every year with the post position draws...

I'm more worried about Dominican than anyone.... poor guy will get stuck with the 1 or 20. For him, being outside and clear would probably be the best of the two.

While I agree PPdraw shouldnt hurt Curlin, when he draws one of the post you say that can be a problem will be what is available to him.

It can be if you are stuck inside and bumped around...the run to the first turn is critical in any route race but 10x so in the Derby!