Gronkowski to remain on Europe's 2018 Kentucky Derby trail

Trainer Jeremy Noseda announced Friday that Gronkowski, who's unbeaten since switching from turf to synthetic, will make his final 2018 Kentucky Derby trail start on Europe's road to Churchill Downs.

Connections, including owner Phoenix Thoroughbreds, had originally pointed the horse to either Keeneland's Blue Grass Stakes of Aqueduct's Wood Memorial, both on April 7 in the United States. A change in plans came "due to the Kentucky Derby points system," Noseda tweeted.

Gronkowski earned 20 points on Europe's trail with his March 7 win in the Kentucky Derby Conditions Stakes at Kempton Park. But those points do not translate to the domestic series of races, so a win or runner-up in a major prep at 1 1/8 miles would be required for Gronkowski, a son of Lonhro.

Yes, he's named after the New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, and the equine version will appear next in the March 30 Burradon at Newcastle. A win would put the colt first in line to receive Europe's single invitation to the Kentucky Derby.

"The horse is in great order," Noseda tweeted, "and Jamie Spencer will once again ride him."

The Burradon should be open for the taking. Trainer Aidan O'Brien, whose charges ran first through third in Dundalk's Patton Stakes last out, will contest the March 31 UAE Derby instead. The bunch is headed by Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Mendelssohn, who took the Patton and is Europe's other 20-point holder.