The Kentucky Derby (G1) is a harsh test for any horse, and the 1 1/4 mile classic has been the downfall of many promising 3-year-olds, some of them may never run again, never mind winning. Fourteen months after commencing the 2022 Kentucky Derby, Zozos still running—and winning.
A cross for Barry and Joni Butzow, the pony named after its owner’s favorite restaurant in the Virgin Islands missed Ellis . Park tipped for his third straight win in the $275,000 Hanshin Stakes on July 2.
4 year old son of Munnings was one of three to enter the Kentucky Derby last year for coach Brad Cox along with electronic knife And Port of Tawny . With Zozos’ Hanshin win, all three of them now have their stakes after the Derby.
“Cyberknife came back and won the Haskell and nearly won the Breeders’ Cup (Dirt Mile), Tawny Port won the Ohio Derby and this horse is four years old now,” Cox said. “They’ve all come back and redeemed. There’s absolutely life after the Kentucky Derby. They all need a break at some point and when they ask for it, you just give it to them.”
Refreshed seven months after Run for the Roses, Zozos is back in the race determined to get revenge, winning four of his last five starts.
“I think it’s because the distance is cut,” Cox said. “His races at the Fair Grounds were very good but now I think we’re seeing a horse that can move forward and hopefully not only compete at the qualifying level but be the winner.”
Racing on a sloppy track was an unknown factor for Zozos, Hanshin’s favorite horse, but that interest quickly became irrelevant as the pony made its way through the mud leaving the gate. . Taking the lead amid the pouring rain, Zozos sets the lively tempos to :23.11, :45.92 and 1:10.30.
Jockey Florent Geroux put the loose Zozos home and he powered the rope, ending a three-length extended gap ahead of his opponents.
Long shot war campaign who ran most of the one-mile journey, took second place after Warrior Johnny in third place.
Zozos ($3.62) is timed in 1:35.73 on a sloppy (sealed) track. He was flattered a day earlier when trainee Jason Cook three techniques finished third behind Zozos in the May 6 Knicks Go Overnight Stakes, winning the John A. Nerud Stakes (G2) at Belmont Park.
Ryvit, Fast as Flight Land Overnight Bet
Earlier on the official last day of Churchill Downs spring/summer meetups have been moved to Ellis, William and Corinne Heiligbrodt’s Ryvit claimed a fifth straight win with a $171,100 Maxfield overnight bet.
Power Ryvit goes home in Maxfield Overnight Stakes
Intern Steve Asmussen gobbled up the muddy track, taking the lead and never looking back on his way to the long three-track race with a sharp 1:22.33 for seven stretches.
Mullikin ranked second in its share debut while Squire Creek who chased the early leader, ranked third.
WATCH: Ryvit shoots home in Maxfield’s overnight bet
Riding by Cristian Torres, 3-year-old son of Competitive advantage increased his earnings to $452,604. Scott Blasi, assistant to Asmussen, said the pony could reappear this summer at Racecourse Saratoga.
When 1-5 love white frost miss your chance to win $172,400 Anchorage Overnight Stakes, Jim and Susan Hill’s As fast as flying seizing the advantage, won his first bet score.
As fast as Anchorage’s overnight wager flight
Anchorage was the third bet win of the day for jockey Luis Saez, who previously beat Bashford Manor with Wine manager and Debutante with composed .
Fast as Flight beat White Frost by 2 1/4 lengths with hidden lady complete trifecta.
Coached by Brian Lynch, the 5-year-old daughter of Blue Air Force ran a mile on grass in 1:38.
Videotapes: Overnight anchoring S. (BT)
Videotapes: Maxfield Overnight S. (BT)
Videotapes: Hanshin S. Presented by JRA (BT)
