Normandy Invasion to arrive at Churchill on Sunday

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Hallandale Beach, FL (Sports Network) - Wood Memorial runner-up Normandy Invasion will be arriving at Churchill Downs on Sunday, April 14 ahead of the Kentucky Derby on May 4.

"Normandy Invasion did his job Saturday in the 89th running of The Wood Memorial," owner Rick Porter posted the announcement on his stable's website. "He made Fox Hill Farm proud. He was able to close in the last three eights running in 36 flat. It is difficult to close on such a slow pace. He did a great job of it and had a superior ride by Javier (Castellano). He galloped out way past the competition. He appears that he can handle a mile and a quarter with the best of them. He will be flying to Louisville on April 14th and have two works over the Churchill surface prior to the Derby."

Jockey Javier Castellano is also the rider of Louisiana Derby winner Revolutionary for trainer Todd Pletcher.

"We have to wait to hear from Javier about whether he will stick with us or move to Revolutionary," Porter continued. "I have a good feeling that he will stick with us. He has to make the ultimate decision and we will accept whatever choice he makes graciously. No matter what his decision, Javier is a jockey that Chad (trainer Chad Brown) and I will use just like we always have. There will be no hard feeling from Fox Hill Farm if he decides not to ride Normandy. We need to stay sound and train well up to the big race. Then I feel we are competitive and just need a good, trouble free trip and some good racing luck. I will keep you updated as we move along towards the race."

Normandy Invasion finished fifth in the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course on Feb. 23 with Jose Lezcano riding.

The colt lost by a nose to 3-2 favorite Overanalyze in the Remsen Stakes as the 7-2 third pick on Nov. 24 at Aqueduct. He finished fifth in his debut at Belmont Park on Sept. 15 but came back to win at Aqueduct on Nov. 2. In his five starts he has earned $300,240.