Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Enticed
Enticed; winner of the Kentucky Jockey Club
by Alastair Bull
There won’t be many 2018 Kentucky Derby contenders with a stronger Classic pedigree than Enticed.
A Godolphin homebred, Enticed showed ability from the start for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. The colt won a September 4 maiden special weight on debut at Saratoga, and McLaughlin put Enticed straight into the best company for his next start in the Champagne Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park. He ran honorably that day – the only horses in front of him were Sanford Stakes (G3) winner Firenze Fire and subsequent Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) victor Good Magic.
Rather than take on Firenze Fire and Good Magic again, McLaughlin bypassed the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in favor of the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs. It proved a good move – after stalking the pace despite an early bump, Enticed got to the front midstretch and fought off a determined challenge by Tiz Mischief.
Enticed is by the very good racehorse Medaglia d’Oro (El Prado), who stayed 1 1/4 miles and beyond. His victories included the Travers Stakes (G1), Whitney Handicap (G1) and Donn Handicap (G1), while he recorded runner-up finishes in six major races: the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) twice, along with the Belmont Stakes (G1), Pacific Classic (G1), Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1), and Wood Memorial (G1).
Retired to Darley, Medaglia d’Oro has developed into one of the best sires in North America. His honor roll of 18 Grade/Group 1 winners includes two champion fillies, Rachel’s Alexandra and Songbird, along with Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Plum Pretty, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) and Belmont Oaks (G1) winner New Money Honey, Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) victor Talismanic, and another leading 2018 Kentucky Derby hope, Bolt d’Oro.
The list of his progeny includes top horses on grass and dirt, and at distances ranging from six furlongs (Golden Slipper [Aus-G1] winner Vancouver) to 1 1/2 miles. Basically, if there’s stamina in the distaff side of a son of Medaglia d’Oro, there’s a reasonable chance they will stay.
Enticed’s pedigree does provide him that chance. He is the second registered foal, and the first runner, out of the top-class racemare It’s Tricky. Her victories included three at the Grade 1 level – the one-mile Acorn, 1 1/8-mile Coaching Club American Oaks and 1 1/16-mile Ogden Phipps Stakes. Like Medaglia d’Oro she just missed out on a few more Grade 1s, finishing second in the 1 1/8-mile Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1), second in the 1 1/4-mile Alabama, second in the nine-furlong Beldame, and third in the 1 1/8-mile Personal Ensign Handicap.
In terms of class and aptitude, Ensign has many of the attributes of a Kentucky Derby contender. He is set to head to Florida for his early Derby prep races, and he should be watched closely.
Additional Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profiles:
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