Kentucky Derby: American Pharoah and Dortmund draw good positions

American Pharoah and Dortmund, both trained by Bob Baffert and regarded as the top two contenders in the 141st Kentucky Derby, avoided at least one potential setback by drawing advantageous starting positions at Wednesday’s draw.

American Pharoah will start outside in the 18th position among 20 starters. Dortmund will start from the No. 8 position.

“I feel OK,” Baffert said, relieved that neither horse drew spots close to the rail. “It could have been worse.”

Oddsmaker Mike Battaglia installed American Pharoah as the morning-line favorite at 5-2. Dortmund is 3-1.

“I love my post, 18,” said jockey Victor Espinoza, who rides American Pharoah. “I feel lucky with that number.”

Several contenders, including two of trainer Todd Pletcher’s four entries, drew positions close to the rail, which is considered tough to overcome in such a crowded field. Carpe Diem will start at the No. 2 spot at 8-1 odds. Materiality is at No. 3 at 12-1.

Ocho Ocho Ocho drew the No. 1 post with the final pull in the draw.

Firing Line, trained by Simon Callaghan and ridden by three-time Derby winner Gary Stevens, will start at No. 10 and is 12-1. Firing Line narrowly lost to Dortmund twice.

Here are the morning-line odds:

1. Ocho Ocho Ocho, 50-1

2. Carpe Diem, 8-1

3. Materiality, 12-1

4. Tencendur, 30-1

5. Danzig Moon, 30-1

6. Mubtaahij, 20-1

7. El Kabeir, 30-1

8. Dortmund, 3-1

9. Bolo, 30-1

10. Firing Line, 12-1

11. Stanford, 30-1

12. International Star, 20-1

13. Itsaknockout, 30-1

14. Keen Ice, 50-1

15. Frosted, 15-1

16. War Story, 50-1

17. Mr. Z, 50-1

18. American Pharoah, 5-2

19. Upstart, 15-1

20. Far Right, 30-1