Munnings Colt Romps at Oaklawn to Become a ‘Rising Star’

[Wandering Eyes]

Sent off the 39-10 second choice behind even-money Barossa (Into Mischief), Barry and Joni Butzow's ZOZOS (c, 3, Munnings–Papa's Forest, by Forestry) sat a tracking trip and shot clear from the market leader to become yet another 'TDN Rising Star' Friday at Oaklawn Park. Making his first start for Rodolphe Brisset, having previously been trained by Bob Baffert, Barossa–a latest third in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity–showed the most early interest, but Florent Geroux aboard Zozos would not allow that rival to steal away on an easy lead. Held right at Barossa's flank, Zozos was switched off nicely through a half in :48.92 and gained inches on the front-runner without being asked on the turn. Asked to win his race at the quarter pole, Zozos displayed a dazzling turn of foot to blow the race wide open, covering his final 2 1/2 furlongs in a very sharp :30.15 seconds, with a final sixteenth of a mile in :6.06 to score decisively and with apparently something in reserve. Zozos was having his first start around two turns Friday and was shipping in from New Orleans, where he posted a half-length victory in a six-furlong Fair Grounds maiden Jan. 23. Zozos is the ninth 'Rising Star' for Munnings, who has also been represented this season by 'Rising Star' Shahama, last seen easily taking the Listed UAE 1000 Guineas at Meydan in late January. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. O/B-Barry & Joni Butzow (KY); T-Brad Cox.

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