O'Brien sends first runners to Chelmsford in bid to book Kentucky Derby spot

Aidan O’Brien is hoping U S S Michigan can prove his Kentucky Derby credentials in the inaugural running of the £60,000 Woodford Reserve Cardinal Stakes at Chelmsford on Thursday as the trainer prepares to saddle his first runners at the course.

O'Brien's recent Dundalk maiden winner U S S Michigan and Naas nursery scorer Antilles are among the confirmed nine-runner field for the valuable mile event, which is the last of seven races in the European 'Road to the Kentucky Derby' series.

Horses running in the series qualifiers gain points depending on their finishing position, with the highest earner, should they be entered, receiving an invitation to compete in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4.

The two eligible horses in the Chelmsford conditions stakes are U S S Michigan and the Paul Cole-trained Shir Khan, a novice stakes winner at Wolverhampton in November.

Aidan O'Brien is not averse to giving US-bound runners a spin on the all-weather in Britain. Galileo (left) had a racecourse gallop at Southwell before running in the 2001 Breeders' Cup ClassicCredit: Julian Herbert / Getty Images

O'Brien said: "I've never had any runners at Chelmsford before and if we were to have a horse for the Kentucky Derby it would be U S S Michigan.

"He's a big, long-striding cruiser and we always thought he would get a mile and further. He would look the right sort of type for the race.

Mendelssohn: represented Aidan O'Brien in last year's Kentucky Derby

"Last year was a good experience to witness it [Kentucky Derby], to see what it was about. It was totally ruthless. We learned a lot and the fierceness of the whole thing surprised us.

"It was a good experience to witness it and there are things we need to improve on. We know that now."

The winner of the Cardinal Stakes will receive 30 points in the 'Road to the Kentucky Derby' series, enough to catapult them to the head of the standings.

The new conditions race is the latest fillip for Chelmsford with racecourse manager Fraser Garrity thrilled with the field.

Garrity said: "We’re delighted with the strength in depth for the first running of the race and to welcome our first runners from Ballydoyle.

"At around this time last year I got in touch with Mike Ziegler at Churchill Downs and said we’d love to be part of the series and a slot was available to us after the Burradon [at Newcastle] was tied in on Good Friday, which is later than usual this year.

“We’re really chuffed with how it’s come together and to have two runners that are eligible to qualify and have a live chance of earning their slot in the Kentucky Derby on Thursday adds another dimension to the race.

“I plan on going over to Kentucky to see the race since it’s on my birthday – I thought I’d treat myself!"

The Mark Johnston-trained Dark Vision, successful on three of his four starts at two, including in the Qatar Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, is the one to beat on official ratings, while Bye Bye Hong Kong, Barys and Certain Lad are other runners to boast triple-figure marks.

Ladbrokes Spring Cup winner Fanaar and novice stakes scorer Battle Of Waterloo complete the line-up.

Did you know you can bet via the Racing Post mobile app/website? Simply sign in with your favourite bookmaker via the Accounts button and then bet direct from our racecards