2021 Kentucky Oaks Post Position Trends and Analysis

LEXINGTON, KY – Shadwell Stable’s undefeated Malathaat is the 5/2 morning line favorite in a field of 14 3-year-old fillies entered Monday for the 147th running of the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) to be run at 1 1/8 miles Friday afternoon at Churchill Downs.

“I’m basically fine with the draw,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “I probably would have preferred to be a bit more toward the middle but if it was a case of drawing inside or outside, I’ll take the outside. It’ll work out fine.”

Post position is important in every race, but in a race like the Kentucky Oaks this year with 14 horses, it’s vital. How do you feel about Malathaat drawing post 10 toward the outside? Here are the trends you need to know before you make your pick.

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Kentucky Oaks Post Position Trends

Looking back at the last 10 runnings of the Kentucky Oaks, an outside draw actually tends to give horses an edge. In fact, in the past 10 years, horses exiting from post position 9 or higher won at an incredible 70% clip!

Here are the most recent winning Kentucky Oaks post positions:

Year	Horse	Post
2020	Shedaresthedevil	7
2019	Serengeti Empress	13
2018	Monomoy Girl	14
2017	Abel Tasman	13
2016	Cathryn Sophia	12
2015	Lovely Maria	7
2014	Untapable	13
2013	Princess of Sylmar	6
2012	Believe You Can	9
2011	Plum Pretty	12

When you look at this year’s field for the Kentucky Oaks, the morning line favorite Malathaat drew post 10, which only seems to further increase her chances of winning. Other fillies who could benefit: Will’s Secret, Search Results, Competitive Speed, and Millefeuille.

POST	HORSE	JOCKEY	TRAINER	M/L ODDS
1	Pauline's Pearl	Ricardo Santana Jr.	Steve Asmussen	20/1
2	Maracuja	Kendrick Carmouche	Rob Atras	20/1
3	Clairiere	Tyler Gaffalione	Steve Asmussen	5/1
4	Crazy Beautiful	Jose Ortiz	Kenny McPeek	15/1
5	Pass the Champagne	Javier Castellano	George Weaver	15/1
6	Travel Column	Florent Geroux	Brad Cox	3/1
7	Ava's Grace	David Cohen	Robertino Diodoro	50/1
8	Moraz	Umberto Rispoli	Michael McCarthy	30/1
9	Coach	Luis Saez	Brad Cox	50/1
10	Malathaat	John Velazquez	Todd Pletcher	5/2
11	Will's Secret	Jon Court	Dallas Stewart	30/1
12	Search Results	Irad Ortiz Jr.	Chad Brown	3/1
13	Competitive Speed	Chris Landeros	Javier Gonzalez	50/1
14	Millefeuille	Joel Rosario	Bill Mott	20/1

Kentucky Oaks Wagering Guide

For a more in-depth look at the race, including pace projections, check out our Inside Track to the Kentucky Derby wagering guide! Features in-depth analysis of all seven stakes on the card including the $3 million Kentucky Derby (G1). But that’s not all! Get bonus race-by-race analysis and betting suggestions for the entire Kentucky Derby card, PLUS bonus analysis for Friday’s Kentucky Oaks (G1)!