Speaking of events with a wagering interest involved, the Kentucky Derby's maximum field of 20 now has the added twist of pre-race favorite Big Brown coming out of the No. 20 hole.

The selection of starting positions for the Derby is a two-step process. Earlier yesterday, teams drew to determine an order for selection of gate position. Last night, the teams then went in order to pick their starting spots. Big Brown had the No. 16 overall pick. When it came time to select a gate, the inside and outside extremes were available, No. 1, 2, 18, 19, 20.

Co-owner Michael Iavarone and trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. took No. 20 because they can be assured of their horse getting a clean break. The two spots next to the far outside present a problem of horses coming over the top if the starters in No. 18 and No. 19 get a poor break. The two inside positions have to deal with avoiding an "elbow" angle at the far turn.

Big Brown is a 3-to-1 favorite at the moment even though the No. 20 horse has won the Derby just once, Clyde Van Dusen in 1929. And in that case, the race was a walk-up start, not out of a gate. Coloniel John (No. 10) is at 4-1 and Pyro (No. 9) is 6-1