Highly Motivated looks very strong in this spot. Based on my numbers he's simply the fastest horse. I know some people don't like that he got caught by Essential Quality in the Bluegrass, but I would argue that he outraced him and it was his first time around two turns and he raced against his style. I don't think he's a front end horse. He certainly won't have the lead in the Derby- until he takes it around the eighth pole. I have no concerns about the distance.
He plots extremely well- large square in Quadrant 1:
Here is where recent Derby winners have plotted:
Even though he didn't win either race, he showed a lot in the Gotham and the Bluegrass.
In the Gotham he almost got shoved completely off the course by the 4 horse. He still gathered himself and was moving best of all at the end:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egrHvmnuOco
In the Bluegrass he was absolutely valiant in defeat. As I said, he raced against his preferred style and nearly held off the undefeated favorite. He attempted to intimidate Essential Quality in the stretch, but Essential Quality is no slouch himself. Highly Motivated is still a little green as he flipped leads late in this race:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KPA4zPyQKc
I have no doubt Brown will have him cranked for his top performance on Saturday.
