Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Zozos

Apr 27, 2022 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

Barray and Joni Butzow’s homebred Zozos ranks 17th on the 2022 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series leaderboard with 40 qualifying points. The Brad Cox pupil earned entry into the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs on May 7 when finishing runner-up by 2 1/2 lengths in the Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds on March 26.

“No shame in that effort at all,” jockey Florent Geroux said of Zozos. “That was only his third start and he ran very well. He was digging in late to hold off all challengers. That’s what you like to see.”

Zozos debuted at Fair Grounds on January 23 in a six-furlong maiden special weight event and closed late to post a smart victory at first asking under Colby Hernandez. The son of Munnings faced allowance runners in his second lifetime assignment and passed that test, as well. He was forwardly placed in the 1 1/16-mile endeavor and drew off down the stretch en route to a 10 1/4-length romp at Oaklawn Park with Geroux in the stirrups. His lifetime line now reads 3-2-1-0, $291,200. 

The lightly raced dark bay was bred in the Bluegrass State and is the first black-type performer produced from the winning Forestry mare Papa’s Forest, who counts herself as a half-sister to the stakes-placed Down with Dixie. This is the same female line as four-time graded stakes victor and sire Ide. 

Zozos has registered Brisnet Speed numbers of 94 and 98, with accompanying Late Pace figures of 111 and 98, from his pair of two-turn tries at this stage of his development. He has been training in solid fashion beneath the Twin Spires since his latest outing, and the sophomore obviously has room for improvement with just a trio of performances under his belt. 

If the steadily improving youngster can continue his ascension, and more importantly, handle the stretch out to 1 1/4 miles in his first try at Churchill Downs, then he could be considered an exotics contender at a square price. Manny Franco has been named to guide Zozos in the Kentucky Derby.