Zozos: Kentucky Derby contender profile

Zozos punched his Kentucky Derby ticket in the 1 3/16-mile Louisiana Derby (G2), finishing second to Epicenter by 2 1/2 lengths in his lone qualifying race.

Sire: Zozos is from the eighth crop of Munnings, a son of Speightstown who has had little impact upon the Triple Crown but has proven to be a versatile sire. His son Warrior’s Charge finished a close fourth in the 2019 Preakness (G1) and was second in last year’s Stephen Foster (G2) at Churchill Downs.

Dam: Zozos is out of Papa Forest, who won at distances up to a mile and is a daughter of Forestry, who is best known for siring 2011 Preakness winner and Kentucky Derby fourth Shackleford. A son of the great Storm Cat, Forestry has performed well as a broodmare sire, with his daughters producing 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist and this year’s Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Country Grammer.

Top Brisnet Speed: 98, Louisiana Derby

Top Brisnet Late Pace: 111, allowance win

Zozos Speed Figures

Zozos Pedigree

Zozos Connections

Owner: Barry and Joni Butzow

A homebred for Barry and Joni Butzow of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Zozos will be their first Kentucky Derby starter.

Trainer: Brad Cox

The reigning two-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer, Brad Cox recorded a win (Mandaloun) and a third (Essential Quality) with his first Kentucky Derby starters last year. The Louisville native is readying three horses for the second go-around, as Cyberknife and Tawny Port will join Zozos in the starting gate, and Cox has trained three champions over the last two seasons (Knicks Go, Essential Quality, and Monomoy Girl).

Jockey: Manny Franco

In his last Kentucky Derby appearance, Manny Franco finished second aboard Tiz the Law in 2020, his best result from three previous attempts. Franco will ride Zozos for the first time at Churchill Downs.

Learn about all of the Kentucky Derby Contenders and the lead up to the Fastest Two Minutes in Sports here on TwinSpires.com