One more Kentucky Derby 2018 prep set for Avery Island

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, who has to this point sent 2018 Kentucky Derby prospects Avery Island and Enticed on similar paths, will divert the two in the trail's late stages.

According to Godolphin.com, Avery Island, the recent Grade 3 Withers Stakes winner, will go in the Louisiana Derby on March 24 as a final prep. Meanwhile, Enticed, who was fourth in the Grade 2 Holy Bull, will run twice before the first Saturday in May, scheduled for a start in the March 10 Gotham at Aqueduct.

“The Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds fits us well for Avery Island," McLaughlin said. "It is seven weeks since the Withers at Aqueduct, and six weeks before the Kentucky Derby. We are tentatively pointing that way (Fair Grounds). The timing is good."

Per Godolphin.com, should Avery Island underperform in New Orleans, a run at either Keeneland's Blue Grass or Aqueduct's Wood Memorial -- both on April 7 -- is possible. The Street Sense colt has collected 14 points so far, with a finish on the board in the Louisiana Derby likely enough to earn him a spot in the Churchill Downs starting gate.

Enticed has collected 13 points, but his recent form hasn't matched his stablemate. The Medaglia d'Oro colt was seen as a top Kentucky Derby prospect off his win in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes last November, but so far that race proven anything but key on the trail.

“I would like him to have two runs before the Kentucky Derby," McLaughlin said of Enticed, "and he needs to perform well to get to Churchill Downs."

Both horses are scheduled to breeze before the end of the week.