Seven Lucky for Kentucky Derby Contender Street Sense?

Street Sense has drawn the number seven post position for the 133rd Kentucky Derby, running this Saturday. The last time a horse has won the Derby from this position was (I believe) Pleasant Colony, who reigned victorious in 1981 with a time of 2:02.

How does the post position affect Street Sense's chances? The winningest gates in Derby history are 1 and 5 (12 wins each), followed by 4 and 10 (10 wins each). So while position 7 isn't on that list, either is 2 -- the post position drawn by Pletcher rival and favorite Curlin (current Kentucky Derby odds list Street Sense at 9/2 and Curlin at 9/5, a shift in Street Sense's favor since the draw took place yesterday).

Certainly Curlin got the worst of it in the draw, by most accounts. In theory, Street Sense will have a better chance of running with the pack from the start, and move toward the rail later in the race, whereas Curlin will be running by the rail from the start.

On the other hand, it was from the number 2 position that Curlin romped to his 10+ victory in the Arkansas Stakes. And if there's a historical precedent that Pletcher will be looking to repeat, it will be Affirmed's 1978 Derby victory from no. 2 -- which set the stage for his Triple Crown triumph.

Post positions aside, Street Sense seems to be in top form for this year's race. Three-time winning Derby jockey Gary Stevens is reserving final judgement until race day but he -- echoing the sentiments of many handicappers -- is of the opinion that "Street Sense is still the leader of the pack."

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