Three world-class names seeking their first Kentucky Derby win

Even if you are successful in the sport of horse racing, you're not guaranteed to win one of the famous and well-known races. If you haven't entered the winner's circle for the feature race on the first Saturday in May, the pursuit is not likely to waver until you get there or until the day comes that you've entered your final Kentucky Derby.

Godolphin has never won the Triple Crown and is still looking for its first Kentucky Derby win. Godolphin's new favorite is Essential Quality, the son of Tapit. Brad Cox won an award for Outstanding Trainer in 2020. God Dolphin's former top trainer, Kiaran McLaughlin, served Godolphins exceptionally well over the years. The New York circuit trainers found most of their success when they travelled through Gulfstream Park. Kiantan's last stop was Wood Memorial. Essential quality's road to Churchill Downs included stops at Keeneland and Oaklawn.

Javier Castellano has won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey in four consecutive years. His record in the Kentucky Derby is 0-0-1. He has finished third in his best finish of third place aboard Audible in 2018. This year he and Chad Brown are teaming up with Highly Motivated, owned by Klaravich Stables, to try to win the race.

Steve Asmussen has had the most chances to win the Kentucky Derby but has only finished second twice. He has won Breeders' Cup races twice and several major stakes races. This year he returns with Super Stock and Midnight Bourbon. Ricardo Santana will ride Super stock. Mike Smith will mount Midnight bourbon. Javier Castellano will be riding Midnight. Javier will also ride Arkansas Derby winner. The winner of the Louisiana Derby will take the mount on Superstock.