Shared Sense out to confirm Kentucky Derby hopes at Ellis Park

Shared Sense looks to further his Kentucky Derby ambitions as he takes on Art Collector for a second time in the Ellis Park Derby over nine furlongs on dirt at Ellis Park, USA, on Sunday, 9 August.

The Brad Cox-trained colt finished second to Art Collector in a Churchill Downs allowance optional claimer over an extended mile in June, with the winner going on to further success in the G2 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland the following month.

Shared Sense (Florent Geroux) also went on to advertise his Kentucky Derby aspirations on his subsequent start, with the Street Sense colt breaking the course record for nine furlongs at Indiana Grand with a dominant victory in the G3 Indiana Derby on Wednesday, 8 July.

Brad Cox said: “Shared Sense bounced out of the Indiana Derby in good order and has had two works at Churchill Downs in preparation for the Ellis Park Derby. This is another step up and a solid race, with Art Collector the deserving favourite, but our horse is doing well.

“When we ran against Art Collector the first time, we were at the back of the pack with no pace on, but Shared Sense ran on and I was pleased with the effort. They almost broke the track record, so the track was quick, and it was a big effort from our horse. Art Collector went on to pick off a G2 very impressively and both horses seem to be going the right way at the moment.

“Florent did a great job in the Indiana Derby, when he saved some ground and got him to the outside neatly. It was pretty much push-button, and Shared Sense responded well. It was definitely the best race he has ever run by far. Given his pedigree and physical make-up, he should get better with distance and experience.”