Kentucky Derby trail 2018: The filly, Paved, wins El Camino Real

Southern California invaders swept the top three spots in Golden Gate Fields’ 2018 Kentucky Derby prep on Saturday with the favored filly, Paved, the best of them going 1 1/8 miles on the synthetic.

While the El Camino Real Derby offered Derby qualifying points on a 10-4-2-1 scale, Paved, who graduated to a maiden victory, isn’t likely to use them. Connections have said they’re mapping out a turf campaign for the daughter of Quality Road.

On that circuit, she’s one to watch after getting 1 1/8 miles in a final time of 1:50.04 after a patient ride by Drayden Van Dyke.

"She was a total Cadillac," Van Dyke said. "She put me in a good spot, and I just had to get her home. That's it."

"It kind of worked out how we thought it would," added trainer Michael McCarthy. "We thought she'd a nice position into the first turn here. We sat in the pocket nicely up the backside. I thought she might have come off the bridle a little bit...but Drayden said she was just kind of waiting for horses. Obviously when he asked her, she responded nicely."

City Plan and Blended Citizen ran on for second and third, respectively, after a pace collapse up front. Mugaritz was fourth and the second choice — also morning line favorite — Choo Choo empty late to finish fifth.

Just two of nine runners in the El Camino Real Derby were nominated to the Triple Crown series, with Choo Choo one and Calexman, the early leader, the other.

Calexman faded through the turn after going the opening half mile in 47.82 seconds. From there, Mugaritz, who was second to Choo Choo in last month’s California Derby over the same track, looked like a winner before Paved made her move.

Off at 2-1, she returned $6.20.

The filly is campaigned by Ciaglia Racing LLC and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners.