The May 1st Kentucky Derby 136 draws closer, and a trio of colts with Gainesway ties look to make

Paddy O'Prado breezes at Churchill Downs on Apr. 21. PM Advertising photo

history. Paddy O'Prado, Dublin, and Noble's Promise all have proved themselves Derby worthy during the prep races, and now have the chance to take home the most cherished prize in racing.

Paddy O'Prado earned his shot at glory with a win in the Grade 3 Palm Beach S. over the Gulfstream Park turf course, followed up with a second-place finish in the Toyota Blue Grass (G1). He is trained by Dale Romans. Paddy O'Prado was consigned by Gainesway to the 2008 Keeneland September yearling sale, where he sold for $105,000. He is out of the Grade 2-winning mare Fun House.

Dublin, by Gainesway stallion Afleet Alex, has been a model of consistency this year. Trained by four-time Derby winner D. Wayne Lukas, Dublin was third in both the Arkansas Derby (G1) and Rebel S. (G2), and also second in the Southwest (G3). He showed his abundant talent last year as well, winning the Hopeful (G1) at Saratoga.

Noble's Promise is also a Gainesway consignment, selling at the 2007 Keeneland November breeding sale. The bay colt, by Cuvee, has been off the board only once in eight career starts. His biggest victory to date came in the 2009 Breeders' Futurity (G1) last autumn at Keeneland. He was also third, beaten just a half-length, in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1).