Michel and Tiffany Moreno have purchased an interest in GI Arkansas Derby winner and GI Kentucky Derby contender Bodemeister (Empire Maker) from Zayat Stables. Bodemeister will continue to be campaigned in the colors of Zayat Stable and trained by Bob Baffert. The Morenos are the owners of Southern Equine Farm in Midway, Kentucky. Under the Southern Equine name, Moreno and his family have campaigned Grade I winners Champagne D'Oro (Medaglia d'oro), Mi Sueno (Pulpit), Santa Teresita (Lemon Drop Kid), and Grade II winner Salute The Sarge (Forest Wildcat), whose first foals race this year.

"I was very impressed with Bodemeister in the Arkansas Derby," said Mike Moreno this morning. "For a 3-year-old to run three straight Beyer figures over 100, he seems full of not only speed, but stamina as well. While the Kentucky Derby appears to be the next step, I am committed to him as a horse that can be utilized by my broodmare band for years to come. I am very excited for the opportunity to be involved in his career, and I wish to thank Mr. Zayat."

Currently at the OBS sale in Ocala, Florida, Zayat added, "I'm thrilled to have Michel and Tiffany Moreno as my partners in what I hope to be an exciting and rewarding journey with Bodemeister in his racing and breeding career. I've been very close in the Derby before with Nehro and Pioneerofthe Nile and I hope to be able to improve upon those results with Bodemeister and my new partners."