Aidan O’Brien’s Mendelssohn wins the UAE Derby

MENDELSSOHN is likely to head to Churchill Downs in May for the Kentucky Derby after his facile victory in the UAE Derby at Meydan.

Aidan O'Brien's Scat Daddy colt made light work of his rivals on Dubai World Cup night in what was considered to be a crucial test of his Kentucky Derby credentials.

Last year's winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf stepped up beyond a mile and tested his ability on dirt for the first time in his career.

It clearly worked a treat for the 13-8 favourite as he dominated proceedings from start to finish under Ryan Moore to win by an easy 18 lengths.

O'Brien said: "I'm over the moon and it was the way he did it, going forward from the start and doing it the hard way.

"He galloped out and saw every yard of the distance. We knew it was very important how he handled the dirt, but he loved the surface.

"Ryan was happy he had a good draw and if he broke well he was happy to let him travel in front, he gave him a great ride - we couldn't be happier.

"He came forward lovely from his first run and that was good experience for him on that surface first time."

Leading jockey Moore was suitably impressed.

"He's a very fast horse. He could have led a Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf if I'd wanted to," said the jockey.

"He's a high-quality horse who has got better with every start."

Ahead of his likely tilt at the Kentucky Derby, Moore added: "Obviously the next time it's going to be a far tougher question, there's no doubt about that, but we're very happy with what he's done and I still feel he will get better.

"He's got the pedigree and the looks to go with the form that he's producing, so he's a very exciting horse."