Hozier Under Consideration for Kentucky Derby
Image:
Description:
Photo: Coady Photography
Hozier at Oaklawn Park
Rebel Stakes (G2) runner-up Hozier is under consideration for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), trainer Bob Baffert indicated via text to Churchill Downs media.
Baffert already plans to start Zedan Racing Stables' Medina Spirit in the May 1 classic.
Hozier is currently on the bubble for Derby eligibility. He is No. 21 on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, which determines the 20 starters allowed in the Derby starting gate by points earned in Road to the Kentucky Derby prep races and non-restricted stakes earnings.
The Pioneerof the Nile colt is owned by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Golconda Stable, Siena Farm, and Robert Masterson. Bred by WinStar Farm, he was a $625,000 purchase by SF, Starlight, and Madaket, with Donato Lanni as agent, from the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment to The Saratoga Sale, Fasig-Tipton's selected yearling sale in New York.
In four starts he has one win and one runner-up finish, the latter being the March 13 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, and has earned $260,260 to date.
In his most recent start, Hozier finished last of six in the April 10 Arkansas Derby (G1) back at Oaklawn.
Hozier galloped a little bit more than a mile over a sloppy track April 21 at Churchill Downs with exercise rider Joel Osorio up shortly before 9:30 a.m. ET. Overnight, Louisville, Ky., picked up an April 21 record 1.8 inches of snow.