Saratoga Springs was filled with anticipation as Cody’s Wish, the beloved racehorse associated with Cody Dorman, prepared to compete in the 96th running of the Whitney Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. Unfortunately, Cody’s Wish had a bad start and was unable to challenge the winner, White Abarrio. This year’s Whitney Stakes set a record with 43,788 patrons in attendance, surpassing the previous mark of 40,791 in 2019.
White Abarrio’s victory earned him a free nomination and entry fee to the prestigious $6 million, Grade I Breeders’ Cup Classic, scheduled to take place at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, on November 4th.
Cody Dorman, a 17-year-old who suffers from Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, has found inspiration in Cody’s Wish, who boasted an impressive record of nine wins from 13 starts leading up to the $1 million, Grade I Whitney. However, the 4-year-old colt, sired by two-time Horse of the Year Curlin and out of the Tapit mare Dance Card, seemed unprepared at the start of the race. He was leaning against the outside wall of his stall in the starting gate, causing him to lose his footing momentarily and giving his rivals a head start.
Under the guidance of jockey Junior Alvarado, Cody’s Wish followed the field around the Clubhouse turn and made up ground on his opponents as they reached the backstretch. Alvarado then positioned the colt on the outside to make a challenge around the Union Avenue turn, entering the stretch in fourth place, battling with Zandon, who eventually finished in second place.
In the meantime, White Abarrio, ridden by leading jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr., secured a significant lead of five lengths. Despite drifting during the stretch, White Abarrio crossed the finish line 6-1/4 lengths ahead of Zandon, who narrowly outperformed Cody’s Wish by 3-3/4 lengths. Charge It, Giant Game (the leader for six furlongs), and Last Samurai completed the order of finish.
White Abarrio completed the race in 1 minute and 48.45 seconds on the fast main track, a time more than two seconds slower than Lawyer Ron’s record set in 2007. Alvarado, reflecting on Cody’s Wish’s performance, questioned the distance of a mile and furlong, as the colt has not been successful running beyond a mile before.
Furthermore, it is highly likely that White Abarrio will train up to the Breeders’ Cup, with trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr. seeking a return visit to the event. Dutrow, who recently resumed training following a 10-year suspension for rule violations, previously won the Classic in 2005 with St. Liam, who was named Horse of the Year.
Regarding the betting odds, White Abarrio was one of the outside interests in the Whitney Stakes, with post time odds of 10-1. This resulted in payoffs of $22.40 to win, $7.60 to place, and $2.90 to show. Zandon, the second choice on the odds board, paid $2.90 and $2.20. Cody’s Wish, finishing in third place, paid the minimum $2.10.
In an unexpected turn of events, the winning ticket for the Pick 6, a popular bet among spectators, was worth an impressive $367,670, as many had included Cody’s Wish in their selections.
As White Abarrio prepares for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup, trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr. expressed excitement about the journey, aiming to go straight to the race without running the colt again. This strategy aligns with their focus on preparing for the prestigious event.
In conclusion, despite Cody’s Wish’s disappointment in the Whitney Stakes, the race provided plenty of excitement and set the stage for an eagerly anticipated Breeders’ Cup Classic.
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