Normandy Invasion gets Castellano to ride

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Hallandale Beach, FL (Sports Network) - Kentucky Derby contender Normandy Invasion will make his next start in the Wood Memorial on April 6 with Javier Castellano riding. Owner Rick Porter posted the announcement on his stable's website.

"I am pleased to announce that Fox Hill Farm has secured Javier Castellano to ride Normandy Invasion in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 6th," Porter stated. "Chad (trainer Chad Brown) has been working with Javier and his agent and we agreed today on the details. Javier will stick with us as long as Normandy Invasion is running well. We need to run first or second in the Wood to be eligible for the Kentucky Derby. This sounds like a great team. Javier will breeze Normandy before the race."

The change to Castellano comes after Normandy Invasion finished fifth in the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course on Feb. 23 with regular rider Jose Lezcano.

Normandy Invasion lost by a nose to 3-2 favorite Overanalyze in the Remsen Stakes as the 7-2 third pick on Nov. 24 at Aqueduct. The colt finished fifth in his debut at Belmont Park on Sept. 15 but came back to win at Aqueduct on Nov. 2. In his four starts he has earned $100,240.