Report: Iavarones buy a share of Derby hopeful The Puma

Kentucky Derby contender The Puma has new co-owners.

Mike Welsch of Daily Racing Form reported that Michael and Jules Iavarone and Ira Rothblut's TCC Stables acquire an interest in the 3-year-old for undisclosed terms.

The Puma, trained by Gustavo Delgado, was purchased at auction as a 2-year-old for $150,000 and had been owned by OGMA Investments, JR Ranch and High Step Racing.

The Delgados also trained 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage, and Michael Iavarone declined an opportunity to buy an ownership share in him.

In a news release cited by DRF, he said, “The Delgados and Ramiro (Restrepo) have shown an extraordinary ability to consistently find top-level horses and get the most of them. It’s a recurring theme and we are honored to be part of this horse.”

Restrepo was the bloodstock agent in the purchase of both colts.

The Puma has a record of 4: 1-2-1 and finished second by a nose to Commandment last out in the Grade 1 Florida Derby. Before that, the Essential Quality colt won the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) by 1 3/4 lengths over Further Ado. He is in sixth place on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with 106 qualifying points.