Kentucky Derby TSI

"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

"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