Derby watch 1. Eskendereya: After dominant victories at the Fountain of Youth and the Wood Memorial, the Todd Pletcher-trained colt, with John Valasquez up, should enter Derby day as one of the strongest favorites in years.

2. Lookin At Lucky: A champion as a 2-year-old, this Bob Baffert-trained horse didn't have a good outing in its final Kentucky Derby prep race at the Santa Anita Derby, finishing third, although Baffert blamed a "horrendous" ride by jockey Garrett Gomez.

3. Sidney's Candy: Victories at the Santa Anita Derby and the San Felipe have earned him a spot in the top three, but does he have the speed to win a fast race?

4. Noble's Promise: The favorite in Saturday's Arkansas Derby, this English horse could be a real factor in Kentucky if he runs well this weekend.

5. Endorsement: A bit of a surprise winner of the Sunland Derby, the son of Distorted Humor (who sired 2003 Derby winner Funny Cide) could surprise again in Louisville.