Sharp Azteca rerouted to Woody Stephens Stakes

OCEANPORT, N.J. – After Sharp Azteca scored a 13-1 upset in the Grade 3 Pat Day Mile at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day, trainer Jorge Navarro planned to use the Grade 3 Pegasus at Monmouth Park as a prep for the track's signature event, the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational.

But after considering his options, Navarro has decided to change the first half of the plan. Sharp Azteca is now being pointed to the Grade 2 Woody Stephens, a seven-furlong race for 3-year-olds on the June 11 Belmont Stakes undercard. Sharp Azteca would then stretch out to 1 1/8 miles in the July 31 Haskell.

"We have absolutely no doubt he can go long," Navarro said. "The breathing of this horse is amazing. The Woody Stephens is $500,000 though, and the Pegasus is $150,000."

Edgard Zayas has ridden Sharp Azteca in his five career starts but recently broke a rib in a Gulfstream Park spill and is sidelined. Joe Bravo worked Sharp Azteca a half-mile last Friday and has the mount in the Stephens.

"It was a super work, nice and easy," Navarro said.

Navarro picked Sharp Azteca out of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. April 2-year-old auction last year and bought him on behalf of Gelfenstein Farm for $220,000.

Sharp Azteca didn’t make his debut until December because of foot issues, according to Navarro. He has won his last three starts – maiden and optional races at Gulfstream Park and the Pat Day – by a combined 14 lengths.