Kentucky-bred Cody’s Wish got the best of reigning Champion Male Sprinter Jackie’s Warrior on Saturday, Aug. 27, sweeping to an impressive victory in Saratoga’s $600,000 Forego Stakes (G1) at seven furlongs.
In winning his first Grade 1, Cody’s Wish was expertly handled by Junior Alvarado. Unhurried away from the gate, Cody’s Wish raced toward the back of the pack early. He swung to the middle of the track on the far turn and collared Jackie’s Warrior in deep stretch en route to a clear 1 ¼-length victory in a final time of 1:20.95, just .55 seconds off the track record. It was the third consecutive win for the Godolphin homebred who annexed the Hanshin Stakes at Churchill Downs on July 4, and the Westchester Stakes (G3) over a sloppy track at Belmont Park in May.
Trained by Bill Mott, Cody’s Wish is a 4-year-old son of Curlin out of the Grade 1-winning Tapit mare Dance Card. With a record of 10-6-1-3, Cody’s Wish has now amassed earnings of $822,130.
“I really thought the style of this race would suit this horse,” Mott said. “I was glad to see somebody going with [Jackie’s Warrior], for sure. “It’s a very important race. It’s a good race, and this is a good horse. He’s deserving of the win. He’s trained well. If you look at his record, he’s won five of his last six, and six of his last seven now.
“This horse has trained like a good horse from the very beginning,” Mott added. “He’s become more professional and learned how to run.”