Code of Honor, Velazquez both handle Churchill track well

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The last time John Velazquez rode at Churchill Downs, he won the Sept. 5 Kentucky Derby. The last time he rode in Kentucky, he won the Nov. 7 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland.

The next mount for Velazquez in this state comes Friday when the Hall of Fame jockey climbs aboard Code of Honor, the likely favorite in the Grade 1 Clark at Churchill. A victory would complete a remarkable triple, given that the Clark once again serves as the annual showcase of the Churchill fall meet.

Code of Honor and Velazquez will be in from New York for the $500,000 Clark, which drew an oversubscribed field for its 146th running. Fifteen 3-year-olds and up are entered, although only as many as 14 can start in the 1 1/8-mile race. Code of Honor, winner of the Travers and Jockey Club Gold Cup last year at 3, will be looking to end a frustrating 2020 on a high note when breaking from post 3.

“All in all, it was sort of just a messed up year,” said trainer Shug McGaughey, explaining how the coronavirus pandemic made for less than ideal scheduling for the colt. “He’s run a lot better with his races spaced.”

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Velazquez, whose Derby and BC Classic wins both came aboard Authentic, also will ride here Saturday, when the Kentucky Jockey Club and Golden Rod anchor a Stars of Tomorrow card restricted to 2-year-olds. His only mount Friday is Code of Honor, who was awarded second in his only prior Churchill appearance after crossing under the wire third behind Maximum Security and Country House in the 2019 Kentucky Derby.

Code of Honor, owned by Will Farish, owns the three top Beyer Speed Figures in the Clark field (106, 106, 105). His last three efforts resulted in a third in the July 4 Met Mile, a fourth in the Aug. 1 Whitney, and a second in the Oct. 3 Kelso Mile.

“Johnny told me after the Met that this horse definitely wants two turns,” McGaughey said. “Now he’s gotten his space [between races], and he’s run good over this Churchill track.”

From the rail, this is the Clark field – Crafty Daddy, Title Ready, Code of Honor, Multiplier, Aurelius Maximus, Plus Que Parfait, Mr Freeze, Bodexpress, Owendale, Bourbon Calling, Coastal Defense, By My Standards, Phantom Currency, and Silver Prospector. In Love is the lone also-eligible.

The Clark will be run under the lights as the 10th of 11 races, with post time set for 5:27 p.m. Eastern. A second stakes that was to be run Friday, the River City, was canceled when Churchill announced last week that no more turf racing will be held at the 24-day meet that ends Sunday.

First post throughout closing week is 1 p.m., except for Thursday (11:30 a.m.).