Kentucky dreaming at Kempton

A strong field of 14 has been declared for the Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes at Kempton on Wednesday night.

The winner is guaranteed a place in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs itself so not surprisingly the big Flat battalions are represented.

Mark Johnston has two runners – Haashed, a yearling and winner of his only start to date, and Mastery, a half-brother to Kirklees who was third in a conditions race behind Henry Cecil’s On Our Way on his second start.

John Gosden has two runners, the once-raced Close Alliance and Mafaaz, fifth in the Timeform Million behind former stablemate Donativum.

Richard Hannon runs Weald Park and Sohcahtoa, Paul Cole runs Shampagne while Mikael Magnusson saddles the promising Spring Of Fame.

John Best’s Deposer, not disgraced in two runs at Keeneland last year, Mick Channon’s Akhenaten and Karl Burke’s Markyg, third in the Chesham, also take their chance.