This fascinating stage of the “European Road to the Kentucky Derby” series sees the return of the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf hero Mendelssohn, who had previously helped make up the stable’s remarkable one-two-three-four in the G1 Dewhurst S., following U S Navy Flag (War Front) home and winding up in front of Seahenge and Threeandfourpence. The latter was not seen after that Newmarket feature, with the G2 Champagne S. scorer Seahenge going on to finish eighth in the G1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in October.
Aidan O’Brien told the Racing Post, “All three horses had a good break and are just ready to start off. I’d expect all of them should improve for the run and at this stage of the year you never really know which horse is going to be the most forward. We’ll see how things go and then think about Dubai for some of them before any decisions are made about Kentucky.”
This also includes the impressive Feb. 23 course-and-distance winner Blackgold Fairy, whose trainer Mick Halford is looking forward to seeing how she acquits herself in this company.
“She’s been in good form since her win, but this looks an exceptionally strong renewal,” he told the trade daily. “We’re happy to let her take her chance, though, and if she can pick up some black-type we’ll be delighted.”