Cox is excited about future of Oaklawn winner Heroic Move
Outlining plans for his army of Kentucky Derby 2023 prospects in early January at Oaklawn, two-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox was asked if he had any unraced horses that he believed still had a chance to make the starting gate May 6 at Churchill Downs.
“It’s a little early to say, but listen, I have several unraced horses that I think we may see,” Cox said. “I don’t want to say any names because there is a small handful, but I’m hopeful that one of them do jump up and could be a factor.”
One of those horses, Triple Crown nominee Heroic Move, may have given Cox something to think about after winning his career debut Feb. 18 at Oaklawn under Joel Rosario.
A homebred for Gary and Mary West, Heroic Move captured the one-mile maiden special weight race by a half-length as the 3-2 favorite. The winning time over a fast track was 1:38.17. Heroic Move, through Friday, was one of just three starters to win a route race from post 10 at the 2022-23 Oaklawn meeting. He also galloped out strongly past the wire, indicating the son of Quality Road wants more ground.
“I think he’s a good horse,” Cox said Thursday morning. “We’re kind of letting the dust settle right now before we come up with an exact (next) race. But I’m excited about his future and think he’s a good horse.”
Cox also trains Dec. 17 Oaklawn entry-level allowance winner Hit Show for the Wests. Hit Show captured a Kentucky Derby points race, the Grade Withers Stakes on Feb. 11 at Aqueduct, in his last start. Cox was scheduled to send out the top two program choices in Saturday’s $1 million Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn in Verifying and Giant Mischief.
The Rebel offers 100 points (50-20-15-10-5, respectively) to the top five finishers toward starting eligibility for the Kentucky Derby. The Rebel was the final major local prep for the $1.25 million Arkansas Derby (G1) on April 1. The 1 1/8-mile Arkansas Derby is Oaklawn’s fourth and final Kentucky Derby points race.
Cox also boasts among his 3-year-old stable Risen Star Stakes (G2) hero Angel of Empire and Instant Coffee, winner of the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) and Lecomte Stakes (G3).