Across the Board: It's too soon to discount Hidden Scroll
Code of Honor broke from the rail and rallied impressively to improve his standing as a colt to watch in his final prep, likely the Florida Derby (G1) on March 30 back at Gulfstream. The Shug McGaughey-trained son of Noble Mission not only earned a respectable 95 Beyer Speed Figure, but he thwarted the efforts of a handful of shorter-priced rivals.
Specifically, the even-money-betting favorite Hidden Scroll could only manage a fourth-place finish in the Fountain of Youth after winning his only prior start by 14 lengths, earning a 104 Beyer. Hidden Scroll disappointed his Hall of Famer trainer, Bill Mott, by failing to stay on after setting a brisk pace. Future plans are pending.
What players need to keep in mind about the Fountain of Youth is that the horses who were involved are all relatively young with potential development left. They certainly cannot be tossed to the wind off a single disappointing effort.
The prep race season for well-bred, well-trained sophomores has time left in it for a horse like Hidden Scroll to rebound.
Of course, the Derby trail further ramps up this weekend as Aqueduct hosts the Gotham (G3), Santa Anita Park the San Felipe (G2), Tampa Bay Downs the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and Turfway Park the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3).
Going beyond the Derby prospects, there is nothing wrong with the way the filly Jeltrin showed improvement to win Saturday's Davnoa Dale (G2) at Gulfstream at 50-1, earning a 92 Beyer. Meanwhile, the heavily favored Jaywalk, who went in with only one loss in five prior starts, ran as if she both needed the race, and needed to grow as a 3-year-old still hoping to challenge in the Kentucky Oaks.
Steve Davidowitz has written many books on handicapping, including the classic, "Betting Thoroughbreds." His Across the Board columns appear regularly at Horse Racing Nation. Click here to read past editions.