Cox has a new stakes prospect in Oaklawn standout Warrior's Charge

Warrior’s Charge, an eye-catching winner of his last two starts at Oaklawn Park, could resurface in a stakes race, the 3-year-old colt’s trainer, Brad Cox, said Thursday.

After breaking his maiden by six lengths March 16, Warrior’s Charge was a 6 ½-length first-level allowance winner last Friday under Florent Geroux. The Munnings colt has led at every point of call in his last two races, both at 1 1/16 miles.

“Distance, I think, is the key thing,” Cox said. “He likes the route. He can handle it. He’s got speed and he can carry it around two turns. He’s a nice horse.”

Cox said Warrior’s Charge will be considered for the $100,000 Sir Barton Stakes May 18 at Pimlico and the $150,000 Matt Winn Stakes (G3) on June 15 at Churchill Downs. Both races are 1 1/16 miles.

“We’ll give him plenty of time to recover,” Cox said. “He came out it in good shape; shipped back to Churchill. We’ll let him tell us when he’s ready to run back. He’s not Triple Crown nominated, so that’s not an option.”

Warrior’s Charge, who races for Ten Strike Racing and Madaket Stables LLC, finished third in first three career starts. In his Nov. 25 career debut at Churchill Downs, Warrior’s Charge finished behind Gray Attempt and Oncewewerebrothers, but ahead of Captain Von Trapp at 6 ½ furlongs. All four horses are two-time winners this year at Oaklawn, with Gray Attempt claiming the $150,000 Smarty Jones Stakes Jan. 25 and $125,000 Gazebo Stakes March 23.

Cox said unbeaten Break Even, sparkling winner of the $150,000 Purple Martin Stakes for 3-year-old filly sprinters March 30 at Oaklawn, is targeting the $250,000 Eight Belles Stakes (G2) May 3 at Churchill Downs.

Break Even worked a half-mile in :51 last Saturday at Churchill Downs.