IT might be a bit early to be looking towards Kentucky in May but the just-turned three-year-olds are on the Derby Trail already in the US.

The first colt to kick off his 2020 path towards the Triple Crown was Independence Hall who, as expected, ran out an easy winner in Aqueduct’s Jerome Stakes last Wednesday as the 1/9 favourite.

The colt played up when being saddled and was last away, but he rushed up outside to take over after a half mile in 47.5secs, with only Bourbon Bay and Prince of Pharoahs appearing to have any chance.

Independence Hall turned wide into the straight but his rivals could make an impression and Independence Hall stretched his lead to four lengths at the line. Bourbon Bay and Prince Of Pharoahs dead-heated for second.

“He didn’t get away good, and this probably got to the bottom of him because it’s been two months,” said trainer Mike Trombetta. “This is a different track than he ran on last time. I’m just glad to get through it and it’s one more step in the direction we want to go.”

The next plan was for the colt to head to Tampa Bay for the next months of the winter. The trainer said: “I think the plan will be next week to head down to Tampa and train down there and get out of this weather and get him ready for the next step. It could be the Sam F. Davis, it’s on the radar in five weeks.”

Winning rider Jose Ortiz said: “I got the opportunity to ride him like he was the best horse and I did. He didn’t look like he did last time, but these are a little better horses and I think the track is very tiring today.”

Independence Hall is unbeaten in his three runs and has 10 points in the Kentucky Derby qualifying table.