Master of Hounds Still May be Derby Bound

Mrs. John Magnier’s Master of Hounds, runner-up in the UAE Derby (UAE-II), is still being considered for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), according to a spokesman for Coolmore.

Although no decision has been made by trainer Aidan O’Brien and the Coolmore brain trust, the colt’s status is “still very much under active consideration.”

Master of Hounds’ other target is the Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-I) at Newmarket.

The son of Kingmambo – Silk and Scarlet, by Sadler’s Wells is no stranger to Churchill Downs, having finished sixth, beaten three lengths, in last year’s Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Turf (gr. IIT) after a troubled trip. Prior to that, he finished third in the group I Racing Post Trophy over a mile at Doncaster.

Coming off a 4 1/2-month layoff, he traveled to Dubai for the UAE Derby at about 1 3/16 miles and ran a sensational race to be beaten the scantest of noses by Khawlah in his first try over the Tapeta surface.

O’Brien wasted no time in announcing that the Kentucky Derby could be in Master of Hounds’ plans.

Master of Hounds currently ranks ninth on the graded earnings list.