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| Staff Writer |
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Racing with impressive intent after a change of ownership, Flood Zone is hoping to trot a unique path to the Kentucky Derby when he lines up for the US$1 million UAE Derby at Meydan on March 5.
Turning heads with a commanding performance at odds of 17-1, Flood Zone surged into Derby contention following a 3 1/4-length triumph in the one-turn mile Gr.3 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct on March 1. This breakthrough came in just his third career start and first stakes appearance.
The promising colt had earlier caught the eye of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, who secured him for his Wathnan Racing operation after a dominant 5 1/4-length maiden victory over 6 1/2 furlongs at Gulfstream Park on January 4.
Brad Cox, who trains the talented 3YO, reports that Flood Zone has travelled well ahead of Saturday's 1,900-meter challenge.
"The owners wanted to give it a shot and I'm all for it," Cox shared on a recent BH Monday podcast. "The horse made it over there in great shape. I'm excited about this horse. He's unproven around two turns but he's given us every indication—has shown every sign in his last race and last work—that he'd stretch out. He's doing well."
Cox remains optimistic about the colt handling the additional distance, pointing to his pedigree as a son of Belmont Stakes-placed Frosted out of Curls for Girls, by classic winner Curlin. This breeding potential was a key factor in Wathnan Racing's decision to purchase him, according to American racing manager Case Clay.
Churchill Downs has repositioned the UAE Derby this year from the main Road to the Derby points series to the Europe-Middle East points series. Nevertheless, the top two finishers still stand an excellent chance of securing sufficient points to qualify for the Kentucky Derby.
Rated at 108, Flood Zone boasts the highest mark on Saturday's nine-runner field. Florent Geroux is booked to partner the Florida-bred colt, who was bred by Al Figliolia Westburystables.
"Hopefully he runs well, comes out of it well, and we'll fly right back to Churchill," said Cox, fresh from sending out Tappan Street to victory in the Gr.1 Florida Derby on March 29.
Drawing post 5, Flood Zone faces competition from UAE Oaks winner Queen Azteca, a daughter of Sharp Azteca bred in Kentucky by Three Chimneys Farm.
The field also features two Japanese contenders sharing the second-highest rating of 107 – Saudi Derby runner-up Shin Forever, a Kentucky-bred son of Complexity, and Don in the Mood, who finished third in the Hyacinth Stakes at Tokyo Racecourse on February 23.