It's finally go time for Code of Honor in Mucho Macho Man

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Shug McGaughey tends to act like he’s been there before because, in fact, he has. Another trainer might not have had the wherewithal to wait as long to get Code of Honor back to the races, but McGaughey’s experience and wisdom led him to a less hurried course of action.

The initial reward for such patience could come Saturday, when Code of Honor goes postward as a solid favorite at Gulfstream Park in the seventh running of the $100,000 Mucho Macho Man. Although still ungraded, the one-mile Mucho Macho Man has evolved into a timely steppingstone at this winter haven toward the Florida Derby series, which begins four weeks hence with the Feb. 2 Holy Bull.

Back in early November, Code of Honor figured to be the third wagering choice in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile after finishing second with an excuse in the Grade 1 Champagne, just his second career start. But the Will Farish homebred colt developed a fever, forcing McGaughey to scratch him from the Juvenile, and the Dec. 1 Remsen at Aqueduct became the next goal.

As the Remsen neared, however, McGaughey sensed a key prerace workout wasn’t precisely what he wanted, so he further delayed the colt’s return, targeting the Mucho Macho Man as a bridge to more demanding tests, including perhaps the March 30 Florida Derby.

“He’s got to get through this one, but it sure would be nice if we could get to the Florida Derby if he’s that kind,” McGaughey told track publicity this week. “Physically, he needs to develop. He does well, but he’s a bit slight. I’d like to see him physically get bigger. He has a lot of talent.”

McGaughey, who used the Florida Derby series nearly six years ago in winning the Kentucky Derby with Orb, will give a leg up to his fellow Hall of Famer jockey John Velazquez before Code of Honor breaks from post 4 in the Mucho Macho Man. The Noble Mission colt shows four December workouts at Payson Park in pointed preparation.

Five others will oppose Code of Honor, most notably Well Defined (post 2, Carlos Montalvo), a romping winner of the $400,000 In Reality for Florida-breds here in late September, and Mihos (post 6, Jose Ortiz), a promising maiden winner last out at Aqueduct for Jimmy Jerkens. Rounding out the lineup are Garter and Tie, Trophy Chaser, and Gladiator King.

First post Saturday is noon Eastern, with the Mucho Macho Man (4:41) carded as the last of five stakes – all for 3-year-olds – and the 10th of 11 races. The other stakes are the Limehouse (race 2), the Ginger Brew (race 5), the Glitter Woman (race 7), and the Kitten’s Joy (race 9).

The 20-cent Rainbow 6 encompasses three of the stakes, spanning races 6-11. TVG will provide extensive coverage throughout the afternoon.

Before the card begins, the formal announcement of all 2018 Eclipse Awards finalists will emanate from Gulfstream on a show that begins at 11:05 a.m. Hosted by Jason Blewitt and Gabby Gaudet, the 30-minute broadcast will be available on drf.com. The Eclipse Awards dinner will be held here on the night of Jan. 24.

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