In long-awaited rematch, Complexity turns back Code of Honor in Kelso
Almost two years to the day of Complexity’s three-length victory over Code of Honor in the 2018 Champagne, the pair finally met again, this time at a mile in the $150,000 Kelso Handicap. The final result turned out to be virtually the same, with Complexity edging away to a 2 ¼-length decision over Code of Honor in the Grade 2 fixture on Saturday at Belmont Park.
Complexity’s career has been slowed on a couple of occasions by foot issues. But the son of Maclean’s Music is back on top of his game since returning to the races with an optional-claiming and allowance win at Bemont going the same one-mile distance as the Kelso on July 2. Complexity came into the Kelso off a near-miss in the Grade 1 Forego. He was caught in the closing strides by the recently retired Win Win Win, who rallied from out of the clouds to a half-length decision during a torrential downpour and over a sloppy track at Saratoga.
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In the Kelso, with regular rider Jose Ortiz in the saddle and while in receipt of five pounds from Code of Honor, Complexity was first to show in front before conceding the early advantage to Endorsed. Complexity stalked Endorsed, then readily overtook him approaching the three-eighths pole. Complexity floated out near the middle of the racetrack upon settling into the stretch, then pulled away from Code of Honor when sharply roused by Ortiz through the final furlong.
Code of Honor, who toted high weight of 124 pounds including his new rider Javier Castellano, broke slowest in a scratch-reduced field of just four horses and lagged at the rear. Code of Honor advanced outside horses to within easy striking distance of Complexity on the final turn, loomed boldly after swinging wider into the stretch, but proved no match and finished 7 1/4 lengths in front of Stan the Man, who was third.
Complexity is trained by Chad Brown for Klaravich Stables. He covered a mile over a fast track in 1:33.82 and paid $3.80.
“The horse had injured feet early in his career,” said Brown. “It took a while to get him comfortable, but he’s better than ever now. He’s in good rhythm, has been training great, and Jose rode a smart race. He nursed him along and had enough left in the run home.”
Brown hedged a bit when asked whether Complexity would run next in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint or Dirt Mile.
“We’ll keep him eligible for both races,” said Brown. “It’s tough the mile race is around two turns at Keeneland, although Jose feels like he’ll get the two-turn mile. The only previous time he ran two turns was in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile when he ran poorly, although he came out of the race with badly bucked shins.”