Honor and Courage makes eagerly awaited debut

Honor and Courage, who will have his debut in Saturday’s third race for 2-year-old maidens, has been the subject of compliments for nearly a year.

Last August, Honor and Courage was well regarded at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling sale when purchased by Rick Porter for $500,000. In recent months, Honor and Courage has impressed trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

“He’s a good-looking horse,” Hollendorfer said.

By Unbridled’s Song, Honor and Courage breaks from the rail in a maiden race at 5 1/2 furlongs on Saturday. The post position is not ideal, but Honor and Courage has shown promise in gate workouts, Hollendorfer said.

“Hopefully, he can get out of the gate,” Hollendorfer said. “He’s been in company a jillion times, so that shouldn’t bother him.”

Honor and Courage is part of a field of eight that includes Big League and What’sontheagenda. Big League, a colt by Speightstown, has worked quickly at San Luis Rey Downs for trainer Peter Miller. What’sontheagenda, a colt by Dialed In, has worked from the gate five times since mid-June for trainer Doug O’Neill.

In Saturday’s sixth race, O’Neill starts R Sunday Surprise, a 2-year-old full sister to California Chrome, the 2014 Horse of the Year. R Sunday Surprise was third in her debut at five furlongs at Santa Anita on June 16, closing well in the stretch. Saturday’s race is run at 5 1/2 furlongs for California-bred fillies.

“We think she’ll improve from that,” said Jack Sisterson, an assistant to O’Neill. “The added distance will help her. She’s trained really well.”