Wathnan Racing’s Kentucky-bred Commandment solidified his role as one of the early favorites for this year’s Kentucky Derby (G1) with a determined win in the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park.
The Brad Cox-trained son of Into Mischief, Commandment prevailed by just a nose over The Puma in the 1 1/8-mile test, earning 100 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard. Commandment gave his trainer back-to-back wins in the Florida Derby, following Tappan Street’s victory last year over eventual Horse of the Year Sovereignty.
“I’m proud of the horse. He’s a solid horse,” Cox said of Commandment. “This is a good race and it’s going to set him up for the Derby. Win or lose, I’m glad we came out on the right end.
“He’s a big sturdy horse,” Cox added. “He takes his races really well and a couple people told me that he was the paddock pick. I think it will set him up for five weeks.”
Commandment Rallies From Last to Score
Sent off as the second choice in the wagering, Commandment rallied from last in the field of six under Flavien Prat. Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner The Puma took over the lead on the far turn, and opened a clear advantage in the stretch. However, he could not fend off a rallying Commandment in deep stretch and was tagged right at the wire. Commandment covered the distance in 1:49.99.
“I was a bit worried because I wasn’t traveling well the first part,” shared Prat. “The pace wasn’t very fast, and I was just in the back. Then I tipped him out turning for him; he swapped leads, and from there, he gave me a good, solid run. I thought I had the bob, but I wasn’t sure. He’s very workmanlike. He’s straightforward, and he’s a fighter. He showed some guts down the lane.”
Bred in Kentucky by Lee Pokoik, Commandment is produced from the Orb mare Sippican Harbor. Commandment is now a winner in 4-of-5 lifetime starts with earnings of $1,017,339. He is a graduate of the Keeneland September Sale.