On the road to the Kentucky Derby we have the Florida Derby next. Claude R. McGaughey III’s three-year old colt Code of Honor is coming off an impressive win at the Fountain of Youth Stakes. This race was at the beginning of the month. Also, earned him enough points to participate at the Kentucky Derby.
Before running in the 145th Run for the Roses, McGaughey plans to have him run in the Florida Derby this weekend, in what is expected to be his final prep race before the Derby.
“He looked like he worked very well. I asked him for 49. Also, he worked 48 and 2 or so. I think we’re in pretty good shape.” Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey said.
Haladio Moreno, who rode Code of Honor during his exercise, was pleased with the horse’s performance. What will this mean for Kentucky Derby futures?
Kentucky Derby Prep Races
“He looks good and I think he’s been training very well,” he said.
After winning his first race and finishing second in the next race, Code of Honor was expected to win the Mucho Macho Man, but he finished fourth in the race. He bounced back by winning the Fountain of Youth in his next race. Also, his trainers hope he improves in his next race. Time will tell who will win the Derby.
“He’s had a good winter since the first of January and I think he‘s looking forward to what he does,” McGaughey said. “I like what I saw physically today and in terms of how he worked.”
In addition to Code of Honor, the Florida Derby will feature a lot of the top contenders to win this year’s Derby. This includes Hidden Scroll. HS finished fourth at the Fountain of Youth, Bourbon War, who finished second. Also, Harvey Wallbanger, who pulled off an improbably win in February when he won the Fasig-Tipton Holy Bull as a 29-1 underdog. These were all close finishes.
If Code of Honor wins this race, expect him to become one of the top favorites to win the Kentucky Derby. You can wager on the 2019 Derby here.