Why the hell dont they draw posistions based on earnings or some such measure of ability? It's no so much that deserving horses dont get into the race but that good horses get squeezed out of contention early by the ridiculous 20 horse field. Last year Lawyer Ron and Bro.Derek were good example of decent horses that were compromised by position.

Plenty of better examples from other years.

Let the good horses get the best spots and then if there's any left over let those lowest on the totem pole draw for the aux. gate. If some late blooming horse like a CHelokee turns out to be wonder horse then he can demonstrate that from the far outside, otherwise let those with highest earnings or pts get the best spots.