There's one other concern I have with Essential Quality, and that's the fact he paddles with his left front leg. This stride abnormality hasn't been an issue for Essential Quality so far, but as a general rule, paddling can make it difficult for horses to stretch out over extended distances. There's a part of me that wonders if the 1 1/4-mile journey of the Kentucky Derby will prove challenging for Essential Quality to negotiate, especially if he receives a tricky trip.
I threw the #2 Essential Quality out of the mix based on the above take from Bloodhorse before the DERBY. But GL would not be surprised if he scores.