Kentucky Derby post positions

Question
A lot is made of the post position finishes in the derby.   I think I remember that the higher post positions in the 70's and maybe 80's were given to field horses(longest shots in the race and grouped together for betting purposes) and the lower were given to the top betting interests in the race.   Can you tell me if my memory is correct on this point and when the rules changed?

Answer
Stewart,

I believe that you are confusing the wagering "field" with the outer post positions.  The post positions for the Derby have never been given out in a preferential manner based on morning line odds.  Indeed, since morning line odds aren't made up unitl after post positions are drawn, it wouldn't actually even be possible to make certain that the top betting interests were given inside posts.  The field horses are given higher numbers for wagering purposes, regardless of their actual post position, so maybe that is where the cnfusion lies.

Stephanie Frost
www.AlchemyBloodstock.com