Zozos, Barber Road tune up for Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE — Barber Road and Zozos, both of whom turned in runner-up efforts in major Kentucky Derby preps, turned in their respective penultimate works for the May 7 classic on Friday morning at Churchill Downs.

Arkansas Derby runner-up Barber Road, working with jockey Reylu Gutierrez aboard shortly after the mid-morning harrow break, worked six furlongs in 1:16.40 seconds, according to Churchill Downs clockers. The main track was officially rated fast at that time, despite still holding moisture from rain the day before.

“Wanted to give him a nice, long, steady workout,” trainer John Ortiz said. “I know the horse, he’s got the ability to go the distance, but I just wanted to make sure we got some bottom in him this morning.”

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Working shortly before Barber Road, Louisiana Derby runner-up Zozos, on the outside of older stablemate Fulsome, went six furlongs in 1:12.40, the bullet at the distance.

“It was another really strong move,” trainer Brad Cox said. “He galloped out really well around the turn and is really doing well over this track. He’s a quick horse, as he showed in the Louisiana Derby, but he settles into his works nicely.”