Kentucky Derby 2018 prep race next for Romans' King Zachary

Trainer Dale Romans plans to run King Zachary next in a Kentucky Derby prep following the 3-year-old son of Curlin’s 7 ¾-length maiden-breaking romp in the Sunday’s fifth race at Gulfstream Park.

King Zachary graduated in his third lifetime start while making his first start around two turns in the 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight test. The Kentucky-bred colt stalked pacesetting stablemate New Legend around the first turn and along the backstretch before taking over the lead on the turn into the stretch. The 4-5 favorite drew away from his five rivals to complete the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.19 under jockey Robby Albarado.

“He’s the real deal here. He’ll come back in one of the preps,” said Romans, who already has plans to run Fountain of Youth (G2) winner Promises Fulfilled and Storm Runner in the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream March 31. “We have one chance to get some (Kentucky Derby-qualifying) points. We’ll sit down and figure out where to go.”

King Zachary, who was purchased for $550,000 by Thomas Conway at the 2016 Keeneland September sale, had previously run twice, both times finishing third in seven-furlong races.