Khozan Lives Up to Expectations

Al Shaqab Racing’s Khozan (Distorted Humor) was tabbed a “TDN Rising Star” after his impressive debut victory at Gulfstream Park Saturday (video), but the effort was no surprise to trainer Todd Pletcher. 

“We expected a good performance,” Pletcher said. “He’d been training well. A horse like that, with a big-time pedigree, you have high hopes for. We felt positive coming into this race off his last few works, but you’re always looking forward to getting them started and seeing how they can do.” 

A $1-million Fasig-Tipton Florida juvenile, Khozan is a half-brother to three-time Eclipse champion Royal Delta (Empire Maker). The colt was given plenty of time to be ready for his unveiling. 

“He had some baby stuff at two, and he has a pedigree that suggests he was going to get better as he got older. We just kind of took our time,” Pletcher explained. “Al Shaqab is very patient. They bought a nice horse and they were in no rush with him, so we just kind of waited until he told us he was ready. He showed us it was the right time after his last couple works. He showed up and ran up to expectations.” 

As for what is next for Khozan, Pletcher added, “I think the logical move is to come back in an allowance race going longer and go from there.” 

Another impressive winner on Gulfstream’s Saturday card was Marylou Whitney’s Gorgeous Bird (Unbridled’s Song), who swept to a seven-length victory in a one-mile optional claimer (video). 

“I liked the way he came home,” trainer Ian Wilkes said of his charge’s effort. “He came home strong. He’s a tremendous horse.” 

Gorgeous Bird was making his third lifetime start Saturday and his first since a maiden-breaking score at Churchill Downs Nov. 22. 

“His work level from two to three had stepped up, and that’s the first step,” Wilkes said. “You never know until you put them in a race from two to three and see what they can do. I like the way every step has been perfect so far. He worked good as a 2-year-old, he stepped it up when I brought him down here at three, and the race [Saturday] was very impressive.” 

Looking ahead, Wilkes added, “I’ll talk to Marylou, but we’ll just enjoy this one first. I believe he’ll go long. I’m actually quite excited to stretch him out further. He’s been a nice progression so far and I’m looking forward to it.”