It's a story that just keeps getting better.
Cody's Wish has added another poignant chapter to his fairy tale career with a facile 3 1/4-length victory in Saturday's Grade 1, $1 million Metropolitan Handicap. The margin of victory is even more impressive considering the 5-year-old son of Curlin broke flat-footed, went five wide around the far turn, and was toting the field-high weight of 126 pounds (four higher than his next closest rival).
Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott and ridden to victory by Junior Alvarado, Godolphin homebred Cody's Wish has now won six straight races, including four consecutive Grade 1 victories across four different racetracks. Sent to post as the 3-5 favorite of the field of nine, Cody's Wish ran a mile over Belmont's fast main track in 1:34.36.
The well-documented Cody's Wish is named for young Cody Dorman, a teenager with the rare genetic disorder Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. Dorman visited Godolphin's Gainsborough Farm in Versailles, Ky. via the Make a Wish program when Cody's Wish was an unnamed foal and was introduced to the curious colt while touring the farm. The colt showed a profound patience, gentleness and connection with the wheelchair-bound Dorman, touching the hearts of all on the farm and leading Godolphin to name the foal after his new friend.
Dorman has been on hand for multiple victories, including the horse's triumph in last fall's Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Keeneland. Today's Met Mile win has earned Cody's Wish a return trip to the World Championships, slated to be held this year at Santa Anita Park.
Once again unsettled in the gate under Alvarado, Cody's Wish broke a step slow and was last down the Belmont Park backstretch. Dr. Schivel, Slow Down Andy, and Hoist the Gold led the way three across the track through a first quarter in :22.76, followed by Repo Rocks and a rough-running White Abarrio.
Charge It raced up into contention four-wide after a half-mile in :45.86, tracked by Zandon. Alvarado was trying to wait to make his move aboard Cody's Wish, but the big bay would not be denied and began his rally with a five-wide move around the quarter pole.
Cody's Wish was impressive down the lane, pulling away with ease to win by 3 1/4 lengths. Zandon got the nod over White Abarrio to finish second by a head, while Charge It had to settle for fourth. The remaining order of finish was as follows: Dr. Schivel, Slow Down Andy, Repo Rocks, Hoist the Gold, and Doppelganger.
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