Last updated: August 7, 2024
Post positions play a significant role in horse racing outcomes, affecting strategies, race dynamics, and betting decisions. As a long-time racehorse owner, I’ve observed firsthand how post positions can influence performance.
This article delves into data analysis, expert opinions, and personal experiences to reveal which post positions win the most in horse racing.
Triple Crown Post Position Success Table
Race | Most Successful Post Position | Number of Wins | Win Rate (%) | Notable Winners |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kentucky Derby | 5 | 10 | 11.0 | California Chrome (2014), Always Dreaming (2017) |
Preakness Stakes | 6 | 17 | 15.0 | Rombauer (2021), American Pharoah (2015) |
Belmont Stakes | 1 | 24 | 20.3 | Justify (2018) |

Understanding Post Positions
Post positions refer to the starting gate spots assigned to horses in a race. They are typically numbered from the inside rail outward, with the one post being closest to the rail.
These positions are determined through a random draw conducted by the racing secretary, usually 48 hours before the race. Trainers often attend the draw, hoping for favorable positions.
Post Position Analysis Across Triple Crown Races
Understanding how post positions influence race outcomes across the Triple Crown races—the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes—can provide valuable insights into betting strategies and race dynamics.

Kentucky Derby Post Position Analysis
In the Kentucky Derby, post positions can greatly influence a horse’s chances of success. For example, post position 5 has produced the most Kentucky Derby winners, with 10 victories since the modern starting gate was introduced in 1930.
Notable winners from this post include California Chrome in 2014 and Always Dreaming in 2017. According to data from TwinSpires, it has the highest win percentage and has consistently produced top finishes.
Post position 10, as highlighted by Canadian Thoroughbred, has also performed strongly, producing 9 winners and a high percentage of horses finishing in the money (top three).
Conversely, post position 1, while historically successful with 8 wins, has become less favorable in recent years due to potential traffic issues and difficulty securing a good racing position early on. The last winner from this post was Ferdinand in 1986.
Recent trends show that winners have been coming from wider posts (13 or wider), suggesting that avoiding traffic and securing a clear running path might be more important than starting near the rail.
Preakness Stakes Post Position Analysis:
In the Preakness Stakes, post position 6 has proven to be the most successful, producing 17 winners since the starting gate was introduced in 1909. According to US Racing, this position has the highest win percentage at 15%.
However, recent success has also been found in other positions. For example, American Pharoah won from post position 1 in 2015, illustrating that even inside positions can be advantageous in this race.
Belmont Stakes Post Position Analysis
The Belmont Stakes, known for its challenging length, shows a different pattern. Post position 1 has been the most successful, producing 24 winners, which equates to a win rate of about 20.3%. However, there has been only one winner from this post since 2003, which was Justify in 2018, as noted by Sportsbook Review.
Middle posts like position 3 have also shown strong performance, with 16 winners and a win rate of 13.6%. Despite the general success of inside posts, certain outside posts have struggled, with post position 10 producing only one winner out of 39 attempts, translating to a win rate of just 2.6%, as highlighted by TwinSpires.

Betting Strategies Based on Post Positions: Case Studies and Examples
Understanding how post positions affect race outcomes can give bettors a significant edge. Below are some real-world examples and case studies that highlight how post-position data can be effectively used to make informed betting decisions.
Case Study 1: The Impact of Middle Posts in the Kentucky Derby
Middle posts, particularly positions 5 and 10, have historically performed well in the Kentucky Derby. For instance, California Chrome won from post position 5 in 2014, and Always Dreaming did the same in 2017. These positions often offer a balanced start, avoiding the crush of horses near the rail while not being too far out to lose ground early on.
Betting Strategy: When betting on the Kentucky Derby, consider placing bets on horses starting from middle posts like 5 and 10, especially if they have favorable odds and strong past performances.
However, it’s crucial to consider other factors, such as the horse’s running style, jockey experience, and track conditions. Combining post-position data with these variables can enhance your betting approach and increase your chances of success.
Case Study 2: Betting on Outsiders in the Preakness Stakes
In the Preakness Stakes, post position 6 has proven to be the most successful, producing 17 winners. However, outside posts have also seen some success in recent years. American Pharoah won from post position 1 in 2015, and Rombauer won from post position 6 in 2021. The shorter distance of the Preakness allows horses from these positions to break quickly and maintain a strong pace.
Betting Strategy: When betting on the Preakness, look for horses in middle to slightly outside positions (like post 6). These horses often benefit from avoiding the early traffic and can maintain a clear path to victory. Again, considering other factors such as the horse’s form, jockey experience, and track conditions is essential for a well-rounded betting strategy.
Case Study 3: Analyzing the Belmont Stakes for Longshots
The Belmont Stakes, being the longest of the Triple Crown races, prioritizes stamina and strategy. Post position 1 has been the most successful, with 24 winners, including Justify in 2018. However, given the race’s length, there’s often value in considering horses starting from less favorable positions if they have demonstrated strong late-race stamina.
Betting Strategy: In the Belmont Stakes, consider both the historical success of inside posts and the potential of longshots with strong closing speed, even if they start from outside positions. Betting on horses with proven stamina and a good jockey can yield significant returns, especially in a race as unpredictable as the Belmont.
Applying these case studies and strategies to your betting analysis will help you make more informed decisions and potentially increase your winnings.

Personal Experience: The Power of the Inside Post
In a recent race, my sprinter drew the one post and was able to dominate by hugging the rail and avoiding early traffic, leading to a comfortable win. This experience highlights how the right post position, combined with a horse’s running style and race strategy, can lead to success.
Understanding how post positions affect race outcomes can give bettors a significant edge. Below are some real-world examples and case studies that highlight how post-position data can be effectively used to make informed betting decisions.

Myth Busting and Expert Opinions
Common Misconceptions: It’s a common belief that certain posts are “lucky” or “unlucky.” However, data shows that success varies widely depending on multiple factors, such as track bias and race conditions, rather than sheer luck.
Personal Experience: In my experience, understanding a horse’s preferences is key. My horse that favors the one post performs poorly when starting from the outside, often losing interest if he can’t find the rail. Another horse does better from the outside, avoiding early crowding and settling into his pace.
Expert Insight: Many trainers and jockeys consider post position when devising their race strategy, but they also emphasize that it’s just one part of the overall equation.
FAQs
How are horse race post positions determined?
When a horse is entered into a race, the racing secretary randomly assigns each a post position through a draw, usually conducted about 48 hours before the race. This draw ensures fairness and is often witnessed by the trainers.
Is the inside post position always the best?
No, while inside posts can offer advantages, the best post position depends on factors like the race distance, track layout, and the horse’s running style.
How does post position affect a horse’s strategy?
Post position can determine whether a horse needs to establish an early lead or can sit back and come from behind. Jockeys and trainers strategize accordingly based on their horse’s position and preferences.

Conclusion
Post positions are crucial factors in horse racing and can significantly influence race outcomes. While inside posts may offer an advantage in sprint races, outside posts can be beneficial for horses that prefer to come off the pace.
Understanding the dynamics of post positions across major races like the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes can help bettors and racing enthusiasts make more informed decisions.
What’s your experience with post positions? Do you find that certain positions consistently perform better? Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with fellow racing fans. For more insights and analysis, explore other related content on our site.