Master of Hounds May Run in Kentucky Derby

Mrs. John Magnier’s Master of Hounds, who was beaten a nose in the March 26 UAE Derby (UAE-II) in his 3-year-old debut, could make his next start in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), trainer Aidan O’Brien told the British website “And They’re Off.”

The other option would be the Qipco Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-I)

Master of Hounds, a son of Kingmambo – Silk and Scarlet, by Sadler's Wells, bred in Kentucky by Silk and Scarlet Syndicate, ran an exceptionally game race in the 1 3/16-mile UAE Derby, losing a head bob to the Godolphin-owned filly Khawlah, winner of the Al Tayer Motors UAE Oaks  (UAE-III).

It was his first start since finishing sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (gr. II). Prior to that he was third in the group I Racing Post Trophy.

“Master Of Hounds is in the English 2000 Guineas (Eng-I) and would have a Kentucky Derby option," O'Brien said. “We will see how he is and the next couple of weeks will tell us a lot.

“The Kentucky Derby is a great race. He handled the surface well out in Dubai and he's a horse that has tactical speed and we were delighted with his run. I’m sure the race will be considered and will be spoken about.”