Mendelssohn no mystery, rivals say

At 7:46 a.m. Thursday, the last embodiment of mystique at the 144th Kentucky Derby emerged from his screenedoff barn and made his way, finally, to the track.

Since he arrived at Churchill Downs on Monday night, this would-be European conqueror had been defined mostly by his absence. No one could lay eyes on him because he was confined to the quarantine barn. None of his connections showed up to speak for him at Tuesday’s post-position draw.

But the name Mendelssohn has nonetheless bubbled on the lips of fans and rival trainers alike. In lieu of appraising his physical form, they’ve spoken in awe of his globetrotting victories in California, Dubai and his home base of Ireland.

Most of all, they’ve debated whether he can finally bring an international flavor to the winner’s circle at the most coveted race in the United States.

Given the depressing Derby record of European-trained horses — 0 for 36, according to research by the Irish Times — it’s a given that some analysts and bettors will remain skeptical of Mendelssohn right up until post time.

But many of the best minds on the Churchill backstretch look at his victory in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Juvenile as evidence he can whip a good field. They see his stunning 18.5-length victory in the UAE Derby, his debut on dirt, as proof of his brilliance. And most of all, they express deep respect for his trainer, Aidan O’Brien, his jockey, Ryan Moore, and the mighty Coolmore racing operation that stands behind them.

“I’m not skeptical of anything Aidan and them do,” said Kentucky-based trainer Dale Romans, who will saddle two horses in the Derby. “That’s probably the best-run operation in the world. The way he ran in Dubai, even if he’s half that good, he’s still spectacular.”