Zandon's owner, Jeff Drown of St. Cloud, has the horse pointed toward the Travers Stakes. Derby winner Rich Strike won't race in the Preakness, either.
James D. Blue was drunk while speeding in his $140,000 car last summer on a Lake Minnetonka road, and pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal vehicular homicide.
Zandon's post position, No. 10, has sent off nine winners — second most in the race's history. His owners, who are from St. Cloud, were thrilled with the draw.
"My family history was always out there, but didn't feel alive" until a cousin in Minneapolis sent a wedding photo of their great-grandparents, said Wayne Brezinka, whose art show runs through May 15
Looking for a local angle to boost your interest in this year's race? Look to the end of the alphabet. Zandon and Zozos have Minnesota connections and are being taken seriously by race fans.