From Ascot to Kentucky? Radiohead wins Norfolk Stakes for Brian Meehan

  PICTURE: Mark Cranham  

Kentucky trial on Saturday for Radiohead

USA: Norfolk Stakes winner Radiohead goes on trial for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday when he will represent US trainer Rick Dutrow in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.

Dutrow and owners IEAH Stables, who bought Radiohead out of Brian Meehan's yard, won the Grade 1 event with Big Brown two years ago before winning both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in brilliant style.

Radiohead made an impressive debut on the Gulfstream dirt on February 27 with an easy victory in allowance company over 1m.

His task in the Florida Derby, a $750,000 event over 1m1f, was eased on Wednesday when Eskendereya, ante-post favourite for the Kentucky Derby with British bookmakers, was not declared.

Trainer Todd Pletcher is waiting for the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 3, where Eskendereya is set to meet the Jeremy Noseda-trained Awesome Act.

Pletcher still fields a strong representative in Florida in the shape of Rule, likely to start favourite as he bids to complete a five-timer, while Dutrow may also saddle Grade 1 winner D'Funnybone.

Lentenor, a full-brother to 2006 Florida Derby and Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, could also run.