Hozier

Hozier was well-backed in his career debut at Santa Anita Park on Jan. 15, going off as the 1.90-1 second favorite in a six-furlong maiden special weight race. He was a non-threatening fourth, beaten fourteen lengths by stablemate Concert Tour. 

In his next start, Hozier made plenty of movement, breaking his maiden at Santa Anita in a two-turn maiden special weight race on Feb. 15. He ran like someone new, stalking the pace and drawing off to a strong 1 3/4-length win under jockey Joel Rosario. 

Hozier made his graded stakes debut in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 13. He was as sweet as cherry wine, closing for second behind stablemate Concert Tour. With that performance, Hozier earned 20 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve. Hozier ran sixth, beaten by 19 lengths in the Arkansas Derby, in his final prep for the May 1 Kentucky Derby.

Hozier was purchased at the Fasig-Tipton Yearling Sale in August 2019 by SF Bloodstock, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Racing. They paid a hefty $625,000 for him at the sale. His dam (mother), Merry Meadow, was a multiple graded stakes winner sprinting on dirt.