O'Brien pair land in US

Ireland’s Kentucky Derby challengers Johannesburg and Castle Gandolfo arrived safely in America last night.

The pair touched down safely at Keeneland racecourse and were taken into quarantine, where they will remain until Thursday.

They are then thought likely to train on the track on Friday before travelling to Churchill Downs for the Derby on Saturday.

Their trainer Aidan O’Brien is expected to arrive in the US on Friday.

Godolphin’s Derby hope Essence of Dubai pleased connections in a five-furlong workout on Tuesday.

The organisation’s Tom Albertrani told the Godolphin website: ‘‘It was a good solid work and I timed him at 1m 1.4s. He finished up strongly and galloped out very well.

‘‘He is well within himself and is right on target for Saturday.’’

Stable-companion Imperial Gesture, who is being aimed at Friday’s Kentucky Oaks, also worked over five furlongs on dirt at Churchill Downs this morning.

Albertrani said: ‘‘I clocked her at 1m 1.2s. She went very good and handled the track very well. She appears to be as good as she was when she ran in Dubai.’’

Imperial Gesture, winner of the UAE Oaks last time out, was made a 4-1 chance for the Kentucky Oaks by local oddsmakers after drawing stall seven in the nine-furlong Grade One contest.

Take Charge Lady, unbeaten in three races this year, is 2-1 favourite in a field of 10 declared on Tuesday.