In a strategic move, McKinzie Street, a promising three-year-old colt, has been transferred from trainer Tim Yakteen to Justin Evans. The change comes as the horse prepares for his first race under Evans' guidance in the Sunland Park Derby this Sunday. This stakes race offers valuable points towards qualifying for the Kentucky Derby. McKinzie Street already holds three points from a third-place finish in the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes, where he faced off against top competitors trained by Bob Baffert. Now, with a fresh start and new training, McKinzie Street aims to maximize its potential and secure a strong performance in this critical race.

Pierre Amestoy Jr., co-owner of McKinzie Street, explained that the decision to switch trainers was driven by several factors. One key consideration was the intense competition posed by Baffert's horses, which often dominate races with multiple entries. Amestoy felt that moving to Evans would give the colt a better opportunity to shine without being overshadowed. "Baffert just brings them in waves, and sometimes it’s hard to keep up," Amestoy noted. By relocating to Albuquerque, where Evans is based, the team can also take advantage of local racing opportunities and reduce travel stress on the horse.

Amestoy emphasized that the decision to shift trainers was not a reflection on Yakteen's abilities but rather a strategic choice to optimize McKinzie Street's performance. The colt had previously shown promise, notably finishing second in the Del Mar Futurity (G2), where he beat two of Baffert's runners. Moving forward, Amestoy and his partners are focused on finding the best path for their horse, even if it doesn't lead directly to the Kentucky Derby. They recognize that there are other valuable races that can provide significant opportunities for McKinzie Street.

Evans expressed enthusiasm about working with McKinzie Street, calling him "an amazing horse" and noting that his workouts have been impressive. The trainer highlighted the colt's excellent condition and readiness for the upcoming race. Despite the stiff competition expected in the Sunland Park Derby, including Getaway Car and Caldera, both formidable opponents, Evans remains optimistic. He believes that with the right race setup, McKinzie Street has a strong chance of performing well and potentially securing more points toward future goals.

The Sunland Park Derby will be a pivotal moment for McKinzie Street and his team. With a new trainer and a fresh approach, they aim to capitalize on the colt's potential and navigate the competitive landscape of three-year-old racing. Whether or not the Kentucky Derby is in the cards, Amestoy and Evans are committed to maximizing McKinzie Street's career prospects and ensuring he reaches his full potential on the track.