McGaughey thinking he'll train Code of Honor up to Travers

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – While he reserves the right to change his mind, trainer Shug McGaughey said Thursday that he is more likely to train Code of Honor up to the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes rather than run him in the Jim Dandy on July 27.

“Probably leaning against” the Jim Dandy, McGaughey said, “and going straight to the Travers. Let those guys battle it out.”

McGaughey said that Code of Honor “was just a little bit slow” to rebound from his winning effort in the Grade 3 Dwyer Stakes on July 6.

“Probably right now missing it would be the smartest thing to do,” said McGaughey, who gave Code of Honor a strong gallop Thursday morning.

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Code of Honor has already shown the ability to run well fresh. He won the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth off an eight-week layoff and the Grade 3 Dwyer off a nine-week freshening following his second-place in the Kentucky Derby. It will be seven weeks from the Dwyer to the Travers on Aug. 24.

The Jim Dandy, run at 1 1/8 miles, is expected to draw Preakness winner War of Will, Belmont Stakes runner-up Tacitus, Tax, Laughing Fox, and Global Campaign.

The Curlin Stakes, also for 3-year-olds next Friday, is expected to draw Endorsed, Highest Honors, Intrepid Heart, Mihos, Rowayton, Cairo Cat, Grumps Little Tots, and possibly Chilly in Charge.