Daddy primed for Kentucky Derby bid
Ballydoyle’s big hope was last seen winning the UAE Derby at Meydan in March, and has reportedly thrived since his heroics in Dubai.
TJ Comerford, travelling head lad for trainer Aidan O’Brien, said: “He’s in good order. We got here in less than a day. The travel is not a problem for him. He takes it all well. It doesn’t bother him.
“The plan was always to come here, so he’s trained for it.
“We did plenty with him for Dubai and he was smart away there. I don’t know if he’s smart enough for the American way, but he’s definitely a lot better. He’s come on a lot.
“We just take it as we go. He was quick away in Dubai and if he’s as quick away here, it should be OK,” he told www.kentuckyderby.com.
Despite having confirmed his well-being in the journey from Ireland, Comerford accepts Daddy Long Legs’ chance has been compromised by being drawn in stall one.
He said: “We’re here now and just hope for the best.
“I know the draw is probably not ideal, as people say.
“We can’t change that, for sure. We’ll do our best from one.”
Daddy Long Legs will be ridden by Colm O’Donoghue, who will be making his debut in the race.
Godolphin are also represented by Alpha, trained in America by Kiaran McLaughlin.
“He’s doing great, continues to train well and ate up well. Everything is going great,” said McLaughlin.
“He’s not the biggest horse but I think that it might be a plus in a race like this because he is very light and athletic.”
Bob Baffert is double-handed with Bodemeister and Liaison.
He said: “Ideally, I would have liked to be outside of the heavy speed horses with Bodemeister but we are drawn in six.
“Liaison really tailed off form, but when he got here I gave him a chance and he likes the track and goes over it great.”
