Godolphin Hunts for First Kentucky Derby

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Godophin stable has yet to win the Gr1 Kentucky Derby but, as bloodhorse.com reports, the stable has options across the globe for this year's version. Godolphin currently holds positions three and five on the 'Road to the Kentucky Derby' leaderboard in the US with Essential Quality (Tapit-Delightful Quality, by Elusive Quality) and Proxy (Tapit-Panty Raid, by Include), while in Europe, a separate 'European Road to the Kentucky Derby' series offers a guaranteed spot. Currently none of the horses on the leaderboard hold an entry to the Kentucky Derby, however, the fifth race in the series overnight will feature Godolphin homebred Highland Avenue (Dubawi-Lumiere, by Shamardal). Over in the 'Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby' Godolphin has the currently third ranked horse Lemon Pop (Lemon Drop Kid-Unreachable, by Giant's Causeway). Of all those mentioned, the most likely horse to break the drought for Godolphin is Essential Quality, who remains unbeaten and won a Breeders' Cup as a juvenile.