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Naming a thoroughbred is a tricky business. Kentucky Derby 2017 Not only does it need to be catchy and awesome sounding when a trainer or fans use it, but it has to adhere to a very specific set of guidelines decided upon by The Jockey Club. Why do these rules exist? They exist for the very simple reason of avoiding confusion in the racing and thoroughbred breeding industry.The rules of naming a thoroughbred horse

It’s Kentucky Derby week, and as we gear up for Saturday’s 143rd Run for the Roses, one important bit of housekeeping needs to be addressed. The starting gate positions will be announced in a draw on Wednesday, followed by the official morning line odds.

The draw takes place at 11 a.m. ET, and will be streamed online at the Derby’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

The post position is one of the most important factors in determining which horses have the edge in the 11⁄4 mile race. Getting drawn on the inside can be problematic — horses are prone to getting stuck in traffic, having to maneuver both opponents and the rail they’re right next to. This much congestion can negate the advantage of having a shorter turn. Horses on the outside have more freedom to move, but they also have to make wider turns, and can be doomed by a poor start out of the gate.

For the most part, getting drawn in the middle of the gate seems to be the most desirable outcome. Last year’s Kentucky Darby 2017 winner, Nyquist, started at the No. 14 spot, while 2015 Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah, drew No. 15.

Classic Empire, Always Dreaming, Irish War Cry, and McCraken are among the early favorite’s in this year’s Derby, per OddsShark, but of course, their fortunes could change significantly depending on what position they have. Look for the money lines to really move once the starting gate is finalized.

Rule No. 4: The name cannot be vulgar or suggestive in any way, shape, or form.

Rule No. 5: The name cannot be considered in poor taste and disparaging of any race, groups, religions or individuals.

Rule No. 6: The name cannot be the name of a living person unless The Jockey Club is given specific permissions to use that name.

Rule No. 7: The name cannot end in any horse related lingo including but not limited to Filly, Colt, Stud, Mare, Stallion and Bronco.

Rule No. 8: The name cannot be made entirely out of numbers. Numbers above thirty can be used, but must be spelled out.

Rule No. 9: Names cannot be based on numerical placement such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.

Rule No. 10: The names cannot include the name of racetrack or stakes race such as the Belmont or the Preakness.

Rule No. 11: The name cannot be from the restricted and permanent names list, which you can find here

Now that you know the official rules, let’s get into our very unofficial rankings of 2017 Kentucky Derby horse names.

This is a legacy name as the horse’s sire was known as To Honor and Serve. I get the legacy thing, but this name just bores me. The horse’s name doesn’t even really match its story as it hasn’t yet been a big winner and brought a state of honor to its owners. Unfortunately for State of Honor, he gets last place in this illustrious contest of horse names.

19. Lookin at Lee

This name is yet another legacy name and it seems just as cocky as the horses sire’s name (Lookin at Lucky). It just assumes that everyone is looking at the dang horse because it’s a winner. Also what’s the deal with only using ‘lookin’ instead of looking? It’s not like that name is exceptionally long and is going to go over the character limit. It feels like just another attempt to be edgy and cool.

Tapwrit is a name that was chosen because the horses’ sire was known as Tapit. I appreciate the legacy naming here but it does nothing for me. It’s also hard to pronounce and comes off the tongue too strong. Maybe that is fitting because Tapwrit is known as a strong finisher in his races.

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18. Tapwrit