Kentucky Derby TSI

An alert Alpha, readying for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, will be one of the first in the starting gate (Harold Roth/Horsephotos.com)

“We’re first in the gate. But he’s been great. It’s just going to make me more
nervous. He’s fine. It’s a good position in gate, No. 11. It’s just that he has
to load first. We didn’t really want that. It’s OK. We can’t do anything about
it. He’s been great. I’ll just be nervous until they spring the latch.”

—trainer Kiaran
McLaughlin after his Kentucky Derby contender Alpha drew post 11 for the Run for
the Roses; the bay son of Bernardini has acted up in the gate prior to races in
the past

“We were extremely fortunate
with the draw and love exactly where both of the horses are. Both of these horses have acted well so far. Derby Day is a different
scenario but I think we’re in great shape with both horses.”

—conditioner Steve
Asmussen after his Derby hopefuls — Daddy Nose Best and Sabercat — drew the 10
and 18 posts, respectively

“I would have liked to be a little further down inside than 17, but we’ll
take it. I’m just glad to have a horse in the post parade. There’s a lot of
speed in the middle of the gate that might be out and gone, leaving us a chance
to get over some. We’ll let (jockey) Sheldon (Russell) do his best from there.”

—horseman
Hamilton Smith on strategy for Done Talking after he was assigned post 17

“Perfect. It worked out
perfect. I love the 15, the first one in the auxiliary gate. There’s a little
space there. He’s outside all the speed. They’re both together, so it makes it
easier in the paddock.”

—trainer Todd
Pletcher speaking of El Padrino and Gemologist drawing the respective 16 and 15
posts for the Derby

Optimizer was into the bit during his morning exercise Wednesday (Harold Roth/Horsephotos.com)

“Anywhere between 5 and 14 was what I said I wanted, and last I checked, 12
falls between them. It’s kind of a good draw for our style. I see us being
midpack. We have to have a perfect trip to be a competitor, but our horse is
training extremely well.”

—a joking
Mark Casse after Prospective was
assigned post 12

“It’s a good post for us. He should be able to get out of the gate
good and get good position. There’s speed inside and outside, so we’re in good
shape. I think Trinniberg will make the lead and drag Bodemeister along with
him. I’m hoping we will be in midpack after a half-mile, but not on the rail.”

—trainer
Jerry Hollendorfer devising tactics for Rousing Sermon, who drew post 7

“I like it. We won’t have to use too much. We can get position where he’s
supposed to be.”

—owner
Shivananda Parbhoo when his Derby hopeful Trinniberg was assigned post 9