Kentucky Derby favorite Essential Quality had his first gallop Tuesday morning since his final Derby work Saturday, coming out in trainer Brad Cox's first set of horses just after the Churchill track opened for training at 5:15. Essential Quality bounced onto the track and maintained high energy throughout his training session, galloping a very encouraging 1 1/2 miles.  

"I really like how he relaxes, doesn't pull in his gallops," Cox said. "He's in the bridle but he's not over the top. He continues to move well. Every time you work one you want to see what they do coming back. Hopefully we peak again on Saturday."

Cox's second Derby starter, Mandaloun, came out in the same set as Essential Quality, also galloped 1 1/2 miles, and looked very good himself. "Looked fantastic. He's a fancy horse," said Cox.