Gosden's up for the challenge of Kempton's Kentucky plan

13 April 2012

Kempton may seem a world away from Kentucky but John Gosden is hoping to take a big step closer to one of the world's greatest races with victory at the track tomorrow evening.

The trainer has declared both Mafaaz and Close Alliance in Kempton's £80,000 Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes, which guarantees the winner a berth in the "Run For The Roses" at Churchill Downs on 2 May.

Gosden, who spent the early part of his training career in the US, is delighted Kempton have put on such an exciting initiative to ease the passage for a trip to Louisville.

He said: "It was always my idea to support the concept which is bold and good for racing. With earnings crucial to securing a place in the Kentucky Derby, the guaranteed place for winning at Kempton is fantastic."

Not only is the winner assured of a place in the starting line-up in the $2million mile-and-a-quarter contest, connections will also receive a $100,000 bonus if the horse runs, which would cover the $56,000 entry fee and travel costs.

With an Epsom and Hollywood Derby on his CV, Gosden (right) would love to add a Kentucky Derby and believes the Hamdam Al Maktoum-owned Mafaaz is the more likely of his pair tomorrow to bid for glory.

He said: "Mafaaz wasn't beaten far by Donatavium in the Timeform Million and that is top-class form. The experience he gained there will be invaluable here." However, the Newmarket-based handler also stated that his other runner, Close Alliance, is "a lovely prospect, although still quite green".

Another big-name trainer keen to support Kempton's initiative is Mark Johnston, who also runs two in the 14-runner 1m1f event (see field left). The Middleham trainer said: "The Kentucky Derby has not been high on my list but with a guaranteed place on offer to the winner of this race it would be fantastic to have a runner.

"I would have to discuss it with the owner but it would be a challenge I would thrive on."

Johnston, who won this corresponding race 12 months ago with Campanologist, said: "Of my runners I think Haashed probably has the best chance."

Tomorrow also sees a return to action in England for the first time this year of champion jockey Ryan Moore, who rides Sohcahtoa in the race for Richard Hannon.

Brian Clifford, Kempton's director of racing, is delighted at the quality of the field. He said: "We worked hard to get this up and running and we're very pleased.

"I spoke to Churchill Downs' vice- president Tom Aronson, who will be here tomorrow night, and he was very encouraged by the support."

* Free admission to the meeting can be obtained by downloading a voucher from www.kempton.co.uk.

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