McLaughlin 2018 Kentucky Derby dreaming with two colts

It’s by design that Kiaran McLaughlin-trained Enticed shipped to Churchill Downs for its Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, while Avery Island stayed home in New York for Saturday’s Grade 2 Remsen at Aqueduct.

The Godolphin-owned colts could make it to the 2018 Kentucky Derby. Now’s the time to start earning points.

"I think we are fully justified in thinking of the Derby for both of them, at this stage," McLaughlin said in an interview with Godolphin.com.

Enticed will race next on Feb. 3, either in Aqueduct’s Withers of Gulfstream Park’s Holy Bull. The son of Medaglia d’Oro — same sire as the current Derby favorite, Bolt d’Oro — gained meaningful experience in how he won last Saturday at Churchill Downs.

"It was a fast track, which he may not get back there at Churchill in May,” McLaughlin said, “but he got plenty of experience. It was a 14-horse field, and he was six wide at the second turn. He got plenty of schooling.”

Plus, going back to Belmont Park’s Grade 1 Champagne, Enticed is Grade 1-placed. Firenze Fire won that race, while Good Magic, who was second, broke his maiden next time out in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

From Lexington, Ky., McLaughlin’s best recent shots at the Derby have come with Frosted (fourth in 2015) and Mohaymen (fourth in 2016). Both also cut their teeth in New York and Florida before arriving at Churchill Downs.