Arkansas based owners Robert and Val Yagos experienced their biggest racing win last month when their colt, Archarcharch, won the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. If the dark bay son of Arch can can pull off a win tomorrow at Churchill Downs, he will put the Yagos' family, as well as trainer William "Jinks" Fires, in exclusive company. The latest 2011 Kentucky Derby Odds have Archarcharch listed at +1300 moneyline odds to win the 137th Run for the Roses.
While Archarcharch did not receive a 
Derby death sentence with his post one draw on Wednesday, the development certainly put a damper on his chances of pulling off the win.
Most riders, with the exception of jockey Calvin Borel, and trainers prefer to avoid the rail at the Kentucky Derby over concerns that the large field will box their horse in. That seemed to be Fires' worry when it was announced that Archarcharch would be opening in the one hole.
"I have always wanted to be No. 1 but not in the Kentucky Derby starting gate," Fires said. "I'll just tell Jon (jockey Jon Court) to get good position, save ground and figure out a way to get out. It's still the shortest way around and at least I am not out next to the track kitchen."
Unlike posts 17 and 19, the one post has produced a number Derby winners, though, including Winning Colors (1988), Ferdinand (1986), Needles (1956), and 1937 Triple Crown legend War Admiral.
If Court, who has been aboard Archarcharch for all six of the colts starts, can manage to avoid any early trouble, this horse has what it takes to be in it at the end.
Archarcharch 2011 Kentucky Derby Odds:
To Win +1300
To Finish in the Top Three +300
