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| Staff Writer |
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Flood Zone is bound for the Gr.2 UAE Derby at Meydan on April 5 following his impressive victory in the Gotham Stakes, reports Marcus Hersh of Daily Racing Form.
The son of Frosted earned a 98 Beyer Speed Figure when claiming the Group Three contest at Aqueduct and subsequently entered the TDN Derby Top 12. Trainer Brad Cox had been weighing up several options for the progressive colt, including the Florida Derby on March 29 and the Wood Memorial Stakes on April 5, but connections have opted for the desert challenge.
Flood Zone was purchased privately by Wathnan Racing prior to his Gotham success and made his first start for the Cox barn in that race. The ambitious owners are assembling a strong team for Dubai World Cup night, with two other recent acquisitions also scheduled to compete.
Hit Show will take his chance in the Gr.1 Dubai World Cup after connections accepted an invitation following his third-place effort in the Santa Anita Handicap. The son of Candy Ride will be joined on the card by Cagliostro, who is aiming at the Gr.2 Godolphin Mile. Both horses, like Flood Zone, were secured by Wathnan Racing through private purchases as they build their international racing portfolio.