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| Sumita Pawar |
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The 5YO son of Mineshaft, trained by Dallas Stewart, is set to compete against 10 rivals on 4th May in the US$1 million Gr.1 Churchill Downs Stakes on the Kentucky Derby Day undercard. Owned by Dream Team One Racing Stable and bred by Dream Team Racing, Hoist the Gold finished second in last year's Churchill Downs, behind eventual Horse of the Year Cody's Wish. With one win, three seconds, and two thirds in seven starts at seven furlongs, he aims to make a strong comeback at his preferred sprint distance after his disappointing performance in the Saudi Cup. Coincidentally, it was another son of Mineshaft, Senor Buscador, won the Group One US$ 20 million feature in Riyadh.
In 2023, Hoist the Gold had a successful campaign, winning the Gr.2 Phoenix Stakes at Keeneland and the Gr.2 Cigar Mile Handicap at Aqueduct Racetrack among other races. However, his 2024 season started with a fourth-place finish in the Gr.1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes before his venture to Saudi Arabia.
Joining Hoist the Gold in the Churchill Downs Stakes field is Zozos, trained by Brad Cox, who won the mile Gr.3 Ack Ack Stakes in 2023. Owned and bred by Barry and Joni Butzow, Zozos has yet to race at seven furlongs but boasts seven wins in 12 career starts.
With a field of talented contenders, the Churchill Downs Stakes promises to be an exciting race on Derby day.