Godolphin's homebred Cody's Wish garnered a career-best 112 Beyer Speed Figure for his 1 1/4-length score in Saturday's seven-furlong Forego (G1) for older horses at Saratoga Race Course.
Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott and piloted by Junior Alvarado, the 4-year-old Curlin colt settled in sixth position as reigning champion male sprinter Jackie's Warrior dueled with Pipeline through splits of :22.75 and :45.10 before rallying wide down the lane to overtake his rivals and notch a 1 1/4-length score in a final time of 1:20.95, just 0.55 seconds off the track record. Fellow Mott-trainee Baby Yoda finished fourth for his first defeat at the Spa in four starts.
Cody's Wish is named for teenager Cody Dorman, who suffers from the genetic disorder Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. Dorman met Cody's Wish as a foal during a farm tour via the Make A Wish program and developed a special bond with the then four-month old horse, inspiring the eventual name.
A six-time winner from 10 starts, Cody's Wish entered the Forego from a neck score in the Hanshin on July 4 at Churchill Downs with Alvarado in the irons.
“I'm very aware [about the backstory] and it makes it even more special,” Alvarado said. “Last time in Kentucky I got to meet Cody in person and you wouldn't believe the way this horse acted towards him. It's an unbelievable bond they have together, and it gives me even more confidence to ride a horse like that because the horse is extra smart and knows what he's doing.”
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