Teel Buys Interest In Derby, Oaks Hopefuls

Online, April 21, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Hollywood, CA., April 20, 2010 - Owner Robert Teel will have a chance to win two of America's most prestigious races after buying a minority interest in Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) hopeful Homeboykris and Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) hopeful Amen Hallelujah.
"It's very exciting to be heading to the world's biggest stage in racing," Teel said. "Everyone in this sport aspires to run in the Derby and I'm very fortunate and grateful to be connected with horses of this caliber."
Both horses are trained by Richard Dutrow Jr. in Florida and will ship to Churchill April 20th.
Homeboykris most recently finished second to Radiohead (GB) in a one-mile allowance race at Gulfstream Park Feb. 27. The Roman Ruler gelding's biggest score came as a two-year-old when he won the prestigious Champagne Stakes (gr. I) at Belmont in October. Co-owners Louis Lazzinnaro, Joseph Bulger, Jack Mandato, Joe Torre's Diamond Pride LLC, Brenda Tabraue and Nick Sallusto will retain their interest in the horse.
"We know Homeboykris is a bit of a long shot to win the Derby. While his odds may reflect his chances, we're confident he'll outrun his odds," Teel said. "We think we'll have a lot of fun with this horse down the road. Amen Hallelujah should have a big shot, she is doing great."
Teel purchased an interest in Amen Hallelujah following her second place effort in the Bonnie Miss Stakes (gr. II) on March 20 at Gulfstream.
At two, the bay daughter of Montbrook was third in the Darley Alcibiades (gr. I) and Hollywood Starlet (gr. I). She began her three-year-old season with wins in the Santa Ynez Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita and the Davona Dale Stakes (gr. II) at Gulfstream where she won by 6 ¼ lengths. She heads to the Oaks as one of the favorites for IEAH Stables, Teel and Whizway Farms.
The two separate transactions were brokered by Warren Byrne's Rancho Park Management, a Toronto and Los Angeles based Thoroughbred management company.
"Bob is a great friend and a wonderful client, I couldn't be more excited for him. Obviously the Oaks and Derby are a target for all of us in this sport and for Rancho Park Management to be at this level so early is a dream." Byrne said. "We are a part of two very talented horses who have already proven capable of winning at the highest level, we are looking forward to an exciting weekend."
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