Cozzetti to relish class relief in the Kent Stakes at Delaware Park
Albaugh Family Stables’, Cozzetti’s switch from grade 2 to grade 1 was a dismal one for the 3-year-old colt, and his trainer Dale L. Romans, who was hopeful that the sophomore will conjure up something special on the back of a scintillating victory.
Cozzetti in his Arlington Park debut was amazing, especially when he skimmed the rail to win the Grade 2 American Derby by a mere head.
On 14 July, 2012, Cozzetti kept All Stormy adrift in the dying stages of the race, and made the inside of the field his, as he kept increasing his speed under strong urging from jockey, S. Bridgmohan, to complete the 1 3/16 miles distance in 1 minute and
57.42 seconds.
Dale Romans was optimistic at stepping Cozzetti up in class, and also stretching him out in distance to 1 ¼ miles in the Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes, but it all went horribly wrong, as the Kentucky bred colt finished a non-threatening sixth on the day to
winner, Bayrir, over the Arlington Park’s turf course.
The son of Cozzene will now step down in class for his next start, as he prepares a return to winning ways in the Grade 3, $200,000 Kent Stakes over the Delaware Park’s turf course on 22 September, 2012.
Over the distance of 1 1/8 miles, Cozzetti will have to be circumspect going into the race, as he will have new rivals to take on, 10 other 3-year-old colts to be specific.
However, the sophomore will lead the full Kent Stakes field, where the likes of Unbroken, Twilight Eclipse, and Optimizer will look to leave their mark on the race.
Out of Lemon Drop Kid’s mare, Lemon Drop Cello, Cozzetti will break from the second pole position, while sharing 120 pounds with Miami Cat and King Kreesa, as these three will represent the high weights in the Kent Stakes.
The Grade 2 American Derby win for Cozzetti snapped a long losing streak, which lasted six races, and started from his maiden special weight win that too came at the third attempt.
Cozzetti will have to step up in order to show how good he is on turf, especially when Romans is determined to provide his colt class relief in his next start.
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