KY Derby Points on the Line in Patton S.

Dundalk's Listed Patton S. carries GI Kentucky Derby implications, offering a 20-8-4-2 point spread to the first four finishers on the European Road to the Kentucky Derby. Unsurprisingly, Ballydoyle is well represented in Ireland, with Ryan Moore on Western Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}), who was last seen finishing third in the G1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in October. Stablemate Van Beethoven (Scat Daddy), who is penalised for his win in the G2 Railway S. at The Curragh last June, and the promising Gowran Park maiden winner Albuquerque (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) provide able back-up, while Mick Halford saddles an intriguing course specialist in Playa Del Puente (Ire) (Elzaam {Aus}).

“Playa Del Puente has done well over the winter and his preparation has been good,” his trainer said. “On the ratings, he has to find a bit with couple of them but he is an improving horse, his confidence is good and we are looking forward to a good run. He was sold to an owner from Hong Kong [Huang Kai Wen] after his first run. The owner was actually here with us this morning to see the horse and we are looking forward to him being at the races tomorrow. This race has been the plan for a while, so we will see how we go and then take it from there.”