Long-idle Shotgun Kowboy targets Oklahoma Derby

Shotgun Kowboy is two works from launching his 3-year-old season, and his first major objective is the Oklahoma Derby, according to his breeder, owner, and trainer, C.R. Trout.

Shotgun Kowboy established himself as a 2-year-old of note last year at Remington Park, where he won two stakes and was edged by a head in the $255,000 Springboard Mile in his season finale Dec. 14. Plans were to target the series for 3-year-olds at Oaklawn, but a physical setback kept Shotgun Kowboy on the sidelines over the winter. He resumed training in March.

“He had a slight crack in his shin, and we just gave him plenty of time,” Trout said. “He’s come back sound as a dollar. He’s training like a bear. A couple of works, and we’re ready to go.”

Shotgun Kowboy is currently based at Lone Star Park. He will be part of a 16-horse stable Trout plans to have at Remington, which opens Aug. 14. The Grade 3, $400,000 Oklahoma Derby will be run Sept. 27.

“I’ll put a sprint or two in him and point him for the Oklahoma Derby,” said Trout.

Trout plans to begin moving horses into Remington on July 14. The group will include Euro K Shotgun, a half-sister to Shotgun Kowboy.

“You can’t tell the difference between the two if you stood them side by side,” Trout said. “They’re identical.”

Trout’s barn also will include Imahit, whose goal is a third straight win in the Oklahoma Classics Cup; Bring It On Dude, a son of Munnings who could develop into a candidate for the $100,000 Gold Rush Futurity on Aug. 16 at Arapahoe Park; and Hailstorm Slew, a promising 2-year-old filly by Munnings.