At the three-sixteenths pole of the Kentucky Derby, you’d have to have made HOT ROD CHARLIE the favorite. There had been a spot of early trouble going past the stands the first time, but jockey Flavien Prat eased Hot Rod Charlie into decent position and for the race’s last mile gave his mount a perfect trip. He saved ground around the far turn, popped outside for his final charge, and looked like he was going best – until he wasn’t. Is it a concern that this colt worked out a trip and still only finished third in the Derby? Yes, but he was coming off a six-week layoff, having prepped in the Louisiana Derby, and had a notably light training regimen after arriving at Churchill Downs. Just wonder if he didn’t come up slightly short owing to the circumstances and think there’s a decent chance he moves forward now. :: Bet the Belmont Stakes on DRF Bets! Join today with code DOUBLE and get a $250 Bonus.  Video of his final Belmont workout reveals the mother of all gallop-outs, and connections could have backed off and awaited summer stakes racing if they doubted their colt’s suitability to the trip. Think he can work out an ideal pressing trip, take over from Rock Your World, and hold off ESSENTIAL QUALITY. The latter ran 68 feet farther than Medina Spirit in the Derby and speed figures accounting for ground loss surely gave him the race’s best number. Don’t think you can hold the fourth-place finish against him, and having watched Essential Quality jog down the horse path for his trainer Tuesday morning outside Barn 56 at Belmont, he does appear to have come here in excellent physical condition. The inside draw isn’t terrible but outside would’ve been better, and I just can’t shake the notion that the 2-year-old champ has shown all he has to give at this stage of the game. That might yet be enough, but Essential Quality will get bet here. Did not care for KNOWN AGENDA going into the Derby, but to be fair, he never had much chance to run during that race. He’ll stay and be coming forward at the end, and that might be enough to get into the trifecta. :: Get DRF's Betting Strategies for exclusive picks and analysis from our expert handicappers.  Would not be shocked if ROMBAUER doubles up on his Preakness breakthrough, but the more likely outcome is a moderate step back after really hitting a peak just three weeks ago. Another whose coat and flesh look very good. The omission is Rock Your World, who I give some chance to lead this thing gate to wire. Was the Santa Anita Derby a fluke or a harbinger? Is Rock Your World meant to be a turf horse? We’ll soon find out.