McKinzie Street, a talented racehorse with a promising track record, is making a strategic shift on his road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Rather than following the conventional route, his owners have decided on a change in training and a fresh approach to his race schedule. This shift could impact his performance and potential path in the upcoming high-stakes competitions.
A Trainer Switch: Moving to Justin Evans
Co-owner Pierre Amestoy Jr. has transferred McKinzie Street from trainer Tim Yakteen to Justin Evans. His first race under Evans will be Sunday’s Sunland Park Derby, which offers 20-10-6-4-2 Kentucky Derby qualifying points. This move was influenced by multiple factors, including Yakteen’s focus on California-based racing and the intense competition within Bob Baffert’s stable.
Previous Race Performances: A Strong Contender
McKinzie Street has already earned three Derby points after finishing third in the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes. He had previously outperformed rivals Citizen Bull and Getaway Car in the Del Mar Futurity (G2), finishing second to Gaming, another Baffert-trained colt. These performances highlight his capability and position him as a serious contender in upcoming races.
Why the Change? Strategic Decisions by the Owners
Amestoy cited Baffert’s dominance with multiple top horses as a reason for the switch.
“Baffert brings them in waves, and sometimes it’s hard to keep up with one horse when he’s running two or three in every race,” said Amestoy. “We’re taking a little pressure off McKinzie Street and trying to maximize his earnings.”
Another major factor in the move was convenience. Evans trains locally in Albuquerque, N.M., allowing Amestoy to closely monitor the horse’s progress. Instead of giving McKinzie Street time off, the team decided to keep him active and race him in Sunland Park Derby.
No Rush for the Kentucky Derby
Unlike many owners who push their horses toward the Kentucky Derby at all costs, Amestoy is keeping options open. He has experienced Derby pressure before with Practical Move in 2023, a horse that had to be scratched due to a fever.
“The Kentucky Derby isn’t the only path,” Amestoy explained. “There are other valuable races that may be better suited for him.”
Trainer Justin Evans on McKinzie Street’s Progress
Evans is excited to work with McKinzie Street, calling him the best horse he’s ever trained. The colt has already delivered impressive workouts, including a bullet five-furlong run in 58.20 seconds at Turf Paradise.
“He’s done super. He’s held his weight well, and we’re really looking forward to Sunday,” Evans said.
The Sunland Park Derby: A Tough Competition
The Sunland Park Derby field will be challenging, featuring strong contenders like Getaway Car, Caldera, and Wayne Lukas’ new colt. With stiff competition ahead, Evans remains optimistic.
“It’s not going to be an easy race,” he said. “But if things go our way, I like our chances.”
McKinzie Street’s new training strategy and upcoming Sunland Park Derby appearance will determine his future in the 2025 Kentucky Derby conversation. While he has the talent and past performances to compete at a high level, his owners are focused on maximizing his potential rather than forcing a Derby run. Whether he secures more qualifying points or takes a different route, McKinzie Street remains a horse to watch this season.
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