As we draw closer and closer to the annual Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs, it’s becoming apparent that the rigors of the Kentucky Derby stakes season is beginning to take its toll. A number of quality colts have pulled up lame, and like in the case of one particular pre-Derby favorite, have been ruled out of the big race entirely.
Honor Code Out of the Derby
What looked to be Shug McGaughey’s best chance at repeating as Kentucky Derby champion took a major hit recently when his prized horse – Honor Code – was ruled out of the Triple Crown with a slight ligament tear.
McGaughey told the New York Racing Association’s media department that Honor Code suffered the injury to the upper suspensory ligament in his right hind leg, adding that it would heal properly and that trainers would re-evaluate the injury in two months’ time.
Honor Code was a hot favorite earlier in the Kentucky Derby betting season after a scintillating showing, capped off with a brilliant win over another Derby favorite, Cairo Price, at the Remsen at Aqueduct. Honor code also finished second to another strong runner, Havana, in his second start of the season at the Grade I Champagne at Belmont.
Injuries were an issue for Honor Code throughout the season, however. His debut was delayed by bruising in his hind ankles. He’s been in and out of action for the past few weeks, running a half mile in 48.12 prior to the $1 Million Wood Memorial at Aqueduct – a race he’ll no longer run, obviously.
As mentioned, McGaughey won last year’s Derby, the first of his career, with Orb – and many thought Honor Code was good enough to get McGaughey in the roses this year as well. McGaughey is now without a runner in this year’s Derby.
Chitu Emerges
Another talented trainer with Derby experience isn’t suffering the same fate as McGaughey.
Bob Baffert, who last won the Kentucky Derby in 2002 with War Emblem, has found himself another quality contender for this year’s race – Chitu, a horse owned by veteran showjumper Susan Chu. Chitu captured the $800,000 Sundland Derby at Sundland Park recently (widely regarded as the top race at the top track in New Mexico), giving Baffert yet another option for success at Churchill Downs this spring, and definitely one to watch in terms of online horse odds.
It’s still unclear if Chitu will head to Churchill – he’ll need to stockpile points and is pretty inexperienced; following the race, assistant trainer Jim Barnes said the decision will ultimately be deferred to Baffert. If Chitu does go, though, watch out – the horse won the Sundland in impressive fashion, beating a strong competitor in Midnight Hawk by two lengths at the wire, picking up a cool 50 Derby points in the process.
Speaking of Midnight Hawk, guess what? It’s yet another Baffert horse! Yes, Baffert’s colts finished one-two at Sundland, and the legendary trainer (who wasn’t in attendance) was reported to be thrilled with how the stablemates competed against one another. This could mean big things for the Baffert camp come May 2 at Churchill Downs.
