Cocked and Loaded works toward 2016 debut, eyes Blue Grass Stakes

OLDSMAR, Fla. – Cocked and Loaded, the winner of the Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs last September, worked three furlongs at Tampa Bay Downs last Thursday as he prepares for his first start of the year.

The 3-year-old son of Colonel John likely will have one prep race before going in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 9 and, if all goes well, the Kentucky Derby on May 7 at Churchill Downs, trainer Larry Rivelli said.

Cocked and Loaded worked in 37.60 seconds last Thursday. Rivelli said he’s pleased with how the horse has matured since his 2-year-old season.

“He was always a pretty mature, nice horse,” Rivelli said. “He grew a little bit, which is good, and he’s moving great. He’s hitting the ground really well. He worked great.”

Cocked and Loaded hasn’t raced since finishing fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland on Oct. 31. He’s won three of his six starts, including a score in the $246,000 Tremont Stakes, a 5 1/2-furlong race at Belmont Park last June.

Rivelli said Cocked and Loaded likely will start at Gulfstream prior to the Blue Grass.