The road to the Kentucky Derby heated up over the weekend with the Fountain of Youth Stakes and the Gotham Stakes. The first race in Florida is one of the most important preparation races for the Derby. The race covers just over a mile with a total purse of $400,000. Last year, Sovereignty won. Going into this year’s edition, Commandment was listed as the 2-1 favorite after winning the Mucho Macho Man Stakes. The top contenders include Napoleon Solo at 7-2 and Chief Wallabee at 9-2. Wallabee’s trainer Bill Mott was also behind Sovereignty’s win last year.
It was not easy running for Commandment, as he started off slowly, like Rocky Balboa, who was 50-1, but he started the race strong and in first. Napoleon Solo started toward the head of the pack but went into third with Commandment in fifth. Wallabee also got in on the action about midway through the race as he climbed. Toward the end of the race, however, Balboa faded fast and Solitude Dude took the lead for a moment.
However, the lead for Solitude would be short-lived as the favorite came back into the frame and took over the race. Commandment was a force to be reckoned with in the final stretch as he just out-legged Wallabee in a photo finish for the win.
“I thought he was getting a good trip. Turning for home, it looked like Irad obviously put him in a great spot. He had the inside path and finished up well. He had to fight to win, and he galloped out well again.” Brad Cox, Commandment’s trainer, said.
Gotham Stakes, the other race of the weekend, also proved to be a great race. Iron Honor took home the gold by a length.
This was just the second ever start for Iron Honor, but it didn’t seem to matter as the horse was in control through the final turn.
Crown the Buckeye also had a notable race; however, in the end, he fell short of the eventual winner, coming in second place.
“The Wood is absolutely on the radar. He’s going to stay in New York, and I would not rule out the Derby,” Dan Brown said. “He got a lot of experience today. He has a lot of foundation. He’s been in our care since the summer and has two good races. The Wood will tell us a lot. He’s a fast horse on the speed figures.”
The zenith of horse racing season is fast upon us, and it should be a great season full of interesting races, including the 152nd Kentucky Derby in May, promising a thrilling showcase of speed and big moments on the track.