Gronkowski wins Road to the Kentucky Derby Conditions Stakes

Gronkowski moved his record to 3-for-3 on Polytrack and established himself as a name to know on the 2018 Kentucky Derby trail Wednesday with a win on Europe’s trail to Churchill Downs.

Off at 3-5 on the American tote, the Jeremy Noseda trainee used a strong middle move and unleashed in deep stretch to win Kempton Park’s Road to the Kentucky Derby Conditions Stakes, which awards 20 qualifying points to the victor in the European series.

And, yes, the colt is named after New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. Curiously, owner Phoenix Thoroughbreds campaigns him in Europe, whereas the group also has Mourinho, named after Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, running in America.

Alas, Gronkowski hasn’t lost since the surface switch, though he’s yet to start on the dirt. Wednesday’s 3/4-length win came around a one-turn mile going clockwise under the lights.

Court House was second, Fortune’s Pearl third and Ventura Night fourth. Gronkowski is nominated to the Triple Crown series, while the race’s other nominee, Three Weeks, missed the board after pressing the pace early.

Rank through the turn under jockey Jamie Spencer, Gronkowski looked willing to run and did so once his rider shook the reins. He showed staying power after hitting the front in early stretch, fending off a pair of late runs.

To follow on Europe’s Derby trail is Friday’s Patton Stakes at Dundalk Stadium in Ireland, where Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Mendelssohn is expected to make his return. The March 30 Burradon at Newcastle marks the final stop before Churchill Downs, with 30 points to the winner. One horse can qualify for the Kentucky Derby from Europe.