Honor Code AOK after Whitney Score

'TDN Rising Star' Honor Code (A.P. Indy) emerged from his dramatic win in the GI Whitney S. in fine fettle, according to Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey's assistant, Robby Medina. “He came out great,” Medina said. “He's been standing at the front of his stall all morning, happy and as proud as a horse could be.” After finishing a disappointing fifth in the GII Alysheba S. at Churchill May 1, he was a jaw-dropping last-to-first winner of the prestigious GI Metropolitan H. at Belmont Park June 6. “As impressive as he was in the Met Mile, I thought he was a little more impressive [on Saturday],” Medina said. “I didn't have any doubts he could stretch out; I have so much faith in the horse. He won going two turns as a baby and he had legitimate excuses in his other two-turn races.” Honor Code is likely to appear next at Belmont Park, possibly in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup, with the ultimate goal being the GI Breeders' Cup Classic, according to Medina. Honor Code earned a berth to the Classic for his Whitney score as part of the Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In' program.

Pletcher Keeping Options Open for 'Liam'
All options appear to be on the table for game GI Whitney S. runner-up and 'TDN Rising Star' Liam's Map (Unbridled's Song), trainer Todd Pletcher reported Sunday morning. Pletcher said that his charge, a $100,000 optional claiming winner June 15 in his lone prior start this term, came out of the effort in good shape, although his next target has yet to be determined, citing the GI Woodward S. Sept. 5, as well as the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational and the GII Kelso H., both on Super Saturday Oct. 3 at Belmont Park, as possible options. “I think he earned as much respect as you can without winning a race,” Pletcher said. “It was a tremendous effort. He ran hard and just missed. He's a horse that we've always liked a lot. We weren't surprised by the effort at all.” Pletcher continued, “I didn't [think we were home]. I know that Honor Code is a powerful finisher and his last eighth of a mile is generally the best part of the race for him. I knew we had gone fast and Tonalist and Honor Code dropped way back, so you figured they would be running. Looking at the finish line, I knew it was going to be close. We're not big on consolation prizes, but we were proud of his effort.”