Mendelssohn to determine Kentucky Derby 2018 hopes in UAE Derby
Could this be the year that the Group 2 UAE Derby fuels Kentucky Derby glory?
Others have tried in the past and come up empty with the best showing in the Run for the Roses by a UAE Derby runner remaining that of Master Of Hounds, who was beaten a pixel by Khawlah in the 2011 edition prior to a creditable fifth at Churchill Downs in May.
Trainer of Master Of Hounds was Aidan O’Brien, who has won the UAE Derby twice with Daddy Long Legs in 2012 and a year later with Lines Of Battle (subsequently renamed Helene Super Star in Hong Kong).
Ireland’s record-breaking handler means business once again this year with Mendelssohn, the focus of a three-pronged attack on the $2 million contest.
Mendelssohn was big news before he even made the track, with the half-brother to multiple American champion mare Beholder topping the Keeneland September Yearling Sale at $3 million to MV Magnier. His juvenile campaign began steadily but rounded off with two superb efforts, finishing second in the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes before collecting the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar early in November.
Three weeks ago he returned to the fray on the all-weather at Dundalk in Ireland when he defeated stablemates Threeandfourpence and Seahenge, both of whom are pitched into battle again on Saturday.
“Mendelssohn continues to improve and we hope he can run a big race. He did very well over the winter and mentally he is very relaxed. He is American-bred so we hope the dirt will suit him,” O’Brien said.
“He is quite a strong traveller so we will learn more about him at Meydan in terms of the Kentucky Derby. You couldn’t be sure how well he will stay as he goes beyond a mile for the first time but we are hopeful he will get the trip.”
It is worth pointing out that O’Brien’s previous runners in the UAE Derby have gone into the race without a prep run, but the Patton Stakes at Dundalk presented itself this year as a suitable option given its new position on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
“The thinking is that having a run into our horses before the UAE Derby won’t be a disadvantage. We are very happy with how our horses are going into the race,” O’Brien added.
Nine runners go to post or the Derby but the race tempo should be pretty honest considering that rivals Gold Town, Rayya, Yulong Warrior and Threeandfourpence all led in their recent tests.
Mendelssohn is drawn in gate four and jockey Ryan Moore is likely to try and camp just behind the lead as he when successful at Del Mar and Dundalk. The Scat Daddy colt touched down in Dubai early on Tuesday morning and is expected to make his first appearance on the dirt track on Thursday.