April 27 (UPI) -- The post-position draw for a big race can be a yawner, but not Tuesday's draw for Saturday's Kentucky Derby.
With only three of the 20 horses, including two of the favorites -- Essential Quality and Known Agenda -- yet to be assigned starting gates, the No. 1 slot still was on the board.
No. 1 in the Derby is one of the most-dreaded spots in the entire racing year, and tension was building by the second.
"I'm not going to lie," said Brad Cox, trainer of Essential Quality, undefeated and the reigning 2-year-old champion. "I've been good all week but, man, that was nerve-wracking, to say the least.
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