Coolmore Stud has bolstered its stable for the Kentucky Derby by purchasing a share in More Than Ready colt Verrazano.

Verrazano (3c More Than Ready – Enchanted Rock by Giant’s Causeway) won both his starts at Gulfstream Park in January by a combined margin of 24 lengths.  The colt was initially owned outright by Let’s Go Stable managers Bryan Sullivan and Kevin Scatuorchio.  They bought him for $250,000 at the 2011 Keeneland September yearling sale.

“We have a long association with Coolmore,” Sullivan said.  “Kevin’s father James raced Scat Daddy who has made such a great start to his stud career at (Coolmore owned) Ashford Stud.”

Verrazano will remain with Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher.  He also prepares leading Kentucky Derby candidate Shanghai Bobby.  Coolmore bought the Harlan’s Holiday colt from Starlight Racing days before his Breeders’ Cup Juvenile triumph in November.

Kentucky-bred Verrazano is a half brother to last year’s G2 Risen Star Stakes winner El Padrino (Pulpit).  Pletcher has several races in mind for the colt including the G2 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream on February 23.

VERRAZANO
More Than Ready colt joins Coolmore Stud