Kentucky Derby Contenders: Cool Coal Man

Trainer Nick Zito is a familiar name to horse racing fans. With four of the top 18 Kentucky Derby contenders running this season, you can be sure to see and hear much more of this experienced trainer as he preps his horses for this year's big race. One horse in particular, Cool Coal Man, looks particularly promising:

Kentucky Derby Contender: Cool Coal Man
Trainer: Nick Zito
Jockey: Kent Desmormeaux
Owner: Robert V. LaPenta
Graded Earnings: $212,767
Race Record: 7-4-1-0

Cool Coal Man is the winner of the $350,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park. His stamina will be put to the test as he looks towards the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (Grade 1) on April 12 at Keeneland Race Course, which would be his first attempt over an artificial surface.

Past Performances
Recent Workouts
NTRA Profile

"If he runs back in the Florida Derby, it would give him three tough, mile and one-eighth races in a row without any separation," explained Zito. "By waiting for the Blue Grass, it gives him a little extra time. And running over the Polytrack at Keeneland certainly wouldn't be a problem. It worked for Street Sense last year. He wouldn't necessarily have to win the race, just get something out of it."

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