Godolphin-homebred and unbeaten 3YO colt Essential Quality (Tapit-Delightful Quality, by Elusive Quality) is the 2-1 market leader for Saturday’s Gr1 Kentucky Derby after drawing barrier 14, reports thoroughbreddailynews.com.
Essential Quality – Top class! (Pic – Godolphin)
“He’s got good, tactical speed that he’ll be able to get into a good position from there,” said trainer Brad Cox.
“He can adapt to no pace or there being pace in front of him. He’s not a one-dimensional horse. He’s able to adapt. I’ve always felt like he’s a horse that the further they go, the better he’ll get. We’re gonna get an extra eighth of a mile Saturday that he’s never had before.”
Elusive Quality has won all of his five starts, including the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and Gr1 Keeneland Breeders’ Futurity.
He won his last start by a neck in the Gr2 Blue Grass Stakes on 3 April. Brad Cox will also have Mandloun (Into Mischief-Brooch, by Empire Maker) in the race, while second favourite is unbeaten Gr1 Santa Anita Derby winner Rock Your World (Candy Ride-Charm the Maker, by Empire Maker) at 5-1.
The Kentucky Derby will not be broadcast on Tellytrack and no TAB betting will be available.
