NEW YORK — Eskendereya is ready for a chance to show whether he's deserving of the role as Kentucky Derby favorite.

The 3-year-old colt runs in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on Saturday in a final prep race before the May 1 Derby.

Eskendereya is the 4-5 favorite in a six-horse field and is coming off an 8½-length win in the Fountain of Youth Stakes on Feb. 20. Eskendereya's trainer Todd Pletcher calls the Fountain of Youth victory the most impressive performance this year among Derby prospects.

Also entered in the 1 1-8-mile Wood are Awesome Act, Jackson Bend, Schoolyard Dreams, Most Happy Fella and Carnivore.