Trying to beat Essential Quality in Kentucky Derby? 4 horses who can

Essential Quality is the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby. Orb was the last favorite in 2013, but Justify won the race in 2018. Essential Quality has a 5-for-5 record and won at Churchill Downs last September.

Rock Your World is the favorite for the Kentucky Derby. Florida Derby winner Known Agenda is second, followed by Louisiana Derby victor Hot Rod Charlie and Blue Grass winner Highly Motivated.

Rock Your World won the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby by 4 lengths over the Bob Baffert-trained Medina Spirit. Rock YourWorld didn't race as a 2-year-old and started his career with two races on the turf. He earned a 100 Beyer Speed Figure in the victory. He is the only horse in Kentucky Derby field to reach a triple-digit figure in his history.

Kissing Agenda is a colt trained by Todd Pletcher. He won the Florida Derby by 2 lengths. Known Agenda drew the No. 1 post position for the Kentucky Derby. The No 1 position hasn't produced a Derby winner since Ferdinand in 1986. New starting gate introduced last year was designed to allow more running room for inside post positions.

Hot Rod Charlie won the Louisiana Derby six weeks ago. He needed four races to break his maiden and entered the Triple Crown scene by finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last November at Keeneland. Hot RodCharlie made his 3-year-old debut with a third-place finish in Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita before shipping to Fair Grounds for the score.

Highly Motivated lost by a neck in the Blue Grass. It was only his second start of the year. He has finished third in two of his five career races. Essential Quality is the favorite in Saturday's Kentucky Derby.

Jason Frakes is 502-582-4046 and he's a reporter for the Courier-journal.