Mendelssohn posts Kentucky Derby 2018 trail win in Patton Stakes

Dominant in his last start, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, Mendelssohn appeared so again Friday on the 2018 Kentucky Derby trail.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt took to Polytrack well in Ireland as a 3-5 favorite for the Patton Stakes, a stop on the European path to Churchill Downs, winning in his first race since Nov. 3.

Taking a stalking trip, the son of Scat Daddy found room on the inside at the top of the stretch and out-drove stablemate Threeandfourpence for the victory. Seahenge ran third, with every horse on the board trained by O’Brien.

“The plan was to come here then go to Dubai and then hopefully the Kentucky Derby," said O'Brien, who has used the UAE Derby as a final prep for his charges in the past on the way to Churchill Downs.

Along with Mendelssohn, Threeandfourpence and Seahenge were nominated to the Triple Crown.

Mendelssohn, a $3 million half brother of champion Beholder, carried as many as 10 pounds more than his rivals in the Patton. He runs for Coolmore and had jockey Ryan Moore in the irons.

The Patton awarded 20 qualifying points on Europe's Derby trail, same as Thurday's Road to the Kentucky Derby Conditions Stakes at England's Kempton Park. Gronkowski, the winner of that race, is definite to head abroad for his next start in either the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland or Aqueduct's Wood Memorial.

Points earned on the European trail do not count in the domestic series. Should Mendelssohn go on to Dubai, he'd likely need to win or finish second to qualify for the Kentucky Derby.

One more prep race, the March 30 Burradon, is left in Europe. It pays out 30 points to the winner, and Churchill Downs will then invite one horse to its signature race.