Code of Honor points to Pegasus World Cup

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Code of Honor, beaten a length by Bodexpress in the Grade 1 Clark at Churchill Downs, will likely get a rematch with that horse in the Grade 1, $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational on Jan. 23 at Gulfstream Park, trainer Shug McGaughey said over the weekend.

“That’s what I’m pointing for,” McGaughey said.

McGaughey felt Code of Honor basically ran his race in the Clark and was simply second-best under John Velazquez.

“I thought he ran fine, I was disappointed he didn’t win,” McGaughey said. “Johnny said he was cruising along there and when he finally got through that horse found another gear.”

Code of Honor’s presence in the Pegasus could provide a dilemma for Velazquez and his agent, Ron Anderson. It was announced earlier this month that Velazquez would ride Tiz the Law in the Pegasus. Velazquez has never ridden that horse, but he has ridden Code of Honor in 13 of his 15 career starts, including wins in the Fountain of Youth, Travers, Jockey Club Gold Cup, and Dwyer.

Meanwhile, McGaughey will weigh his options for Mrs. Danvers, the 6 1/4-length winner of Friday’s Grade 3 Comely Stakes at Aqueduct.

McGaughey wants to keep the filly racing around two turns, with the Apple Blossom at Oaklawn Park in April among her early season goals. Possible next starts include the Grade 3, $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic on Jan. 31 at Sam Houston, the Grade 3, $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes on Feb. 15 at Oaklawn, or the Grade 3, $150,000 Royal Delta Stakes on Feb. 20 at Gulfstream.

Mrs. Danvers, a daughter of Tapit owned by Joe Allen, earned a career-best 102 Beyer Speed Figure for her Comely performance.