John Velazquez rides Code of Honor to Fountain of Youth win
Code of Honor rebounded well from a disappointing 4th place finish in his 2009 debut, as well as a layoff, to win the Grade 2, $400,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes on Saturday at Gulfstream Park.
Under confident managing from John Velazquez, Code of Honor broke nicely for a change, and secured his spot on the rail while the area spread out 12 broad on the first flip. While Global Campaign tracked in third favorite Hidden Scroll and haul Gladiator King assumed the early lead and battled.
Meanwhile, the Code divide horses to make his move and of Honor began moving upward. He managed to put off Hidden Scroll at the 1/8 rod and went on to win like a professional.
Bourbon War came out of the pack with a late rally, but it was over and he’d come up 3/4 of a length short. Vekoma raced well to be third and 6/5 favorite Hidden Scroll held fourth.
The win was much easier than it seemed for the son of Noble Mission, as Velazquez understood the set was home and geared down him nearing the cable.
«They were going too quickly up front,» Velazquez said,»and that I was comfortable where I was. We put a lot of work in him, and he revealed today what kind of horse he is.»
Code of Honor paid $21.00 to triumph and finished the 1??1/16 mile in 1:43.85. Will guarantee him a place from the gate at Churchill on May 4.
Trainer Shug McGauhey is eyeing the March 30 Florida Derby for his second start.
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