Contender Status
Z Fortune was undefeated after his first three starts including a January 12 victory in the Lecomte Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds, defeating Blackberry Road by 2 3/4 lengths.
At the time the Lecomte was the closest any of his competitors had been to Z Fortune at the end of a race, the Siphon (Brz) colt having won his career debut at Belmont Park and an allowance race at Aqueduct by a combined 11 1/4 lengths.
Z Fortune appeared on his way to a fourth victory on February 9 as he took the lead in the stretch run of the Risen Star Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds when Pyro, another Steve Asmussen trainee, rallied from last to first with one of this year's most impressive performances by a Triple Crown candidate to snatch victory away from Z Fortune.
Z Fortune safely held second in the Risen Star, two lengths behind Pyro, and appeared to be a strong Triple Crown contender while continuing to mature.
But Z Fortune's fortunes took a negative turn on March 15 when the colt never appeared to fire in the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park.
Racing in the second tier of the nine-horse field under jockey Garrett Gomez Z Fortune was asked for run on the second turn but had little response while finishing fifth.
Just when it appeared that an appearance in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) was slipping away the Siphon (Brz) colt rebounded with a second to Gayego in the Arkansas Derby (G2).
Second money in the Arkansas Derby jumped Z Fortune from 28th to 11th on the earnings in graded stakes races list, assuring him of a starting berth in the Kentucky Derby.
April 28 - Four furlongs breezing in :51.00 at Churchill Downs, track fast. 38th best of 44 workouts at the distance.
April 21 - Four furlongs breezing in :50.20 at Churchill Downs, track fast. 26th best of 33 workouts at the distance.
Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) on May 3 at Churchill Downs
Jockey Garrett Gomez, after finishing second to Pyro in the Risen Star Stakes (G3):
"He is still learning, just like a teenager. He was halfway idling when he made the lead.
"I think the longer distances will definitely help this colt."