Causeway charts a path across the Atlantic in search of Nashville Derby glory.
Aidan O'Brien's classy three-year-old came out on top in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, however, failed to reproduce his best in the Grand Prix de Paris over in France on his latest outing.
Now, he embarks on a journey stateside where -- at least by the market's assessment -- he is the one to beat at Kentucky Downs.
He had won five consecutive races prior to defeat in France and there is a good chance that he is still improving as he makes just his eighth visit to the track. Ryan Moore heads over to ride him and he knows him well having been onboard for all five starts so far this season.
Although he will make a 7,000-mile round trip to race at the weekend, it is likely that his biggest danger lies far closer to home.
Glacius has experience racing in America having won the Saratoga Derby last time out and is now seeking the £1,333,335 winning prize to add to the £300,000 that he picked up on his last start. Hugo Palmer has been aiming him at this race ever since his Saratoga success and the British have a decent record in this; James Owen's Wimbledon Hawkeye stormed to victory 12 months ago.
There is yet more European hopefuls in the field as Germany send Gostam on a US trip.
He was unbeaten on home soil before trailing behind Constitution River in the French Derby at the end of May. The three-year-old was then well held in the German Derby but a return to his peak might make him dangerous here.
Joseph O'Brien also sends Nil Bua Gan Dua over in search of yet more foreign riches this season. He has already landed the Epsom Oaks, trained five winners at Royal Ascot and been crowned leading trainer at Glorious Goodwood this season, but he is not done yet.
Ben Curtis takes the ride the American Pharoah colt, last seen winning a Listed contest at Gowran Park.
Nashville Derby confirmed runners
- Royal Causeway
- Royal Guard
- Glacius
- Caroline St. Beat
- Versailles Road
- Causeway
- Fuzzbuster
- Fancy Sailor
- Gostam
- Go Grey
- Nil Bua Gan Dua
- Blackmail
Nashville Derby betting odds
(Odds will display when market is available)
Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.
