Godolphin’s homebred Cody’s Wish survived a late stretch duel with National Treasure and a claim of foul to successfully defend his title by a nose in the 17th running of the $1 million Big Ass Fans Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile for 3-year-olds and up to kick off the second day of the World Championships at Santa Anita.
Trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, Cody’s Wish covered the mile on a fast track in 1:35.97. Cody’s Wish joins Goldencents (2013-2014) as the only back-to-back winners of the race. It is Mott’s 14th Breeders’ Cup victory and the third for Alvarado and the second of the weekend for both.
Cody Dorman and his team before the race (Pic – Breeders’ World Cup Championship)
National Treasure, winner of this year’s Gr1 Preakness, set an uncontested pace as Cody’s Wish trailed the field of seven early.
On the backstretch, Alvarado began to close in and by the time the field was in the far turn, Cody’s Wish had moved into third.
National Treasure maintained his advantage until inside the eighth pole when Cody’s Wish ranged up alongside with the two racing as a team and exchanging bumps to the wire where Cody’s Wish narrowly prevailed.
It was another 3 ¾ lengths back to Skippylongstocking in third.
The victory ensured a storybook ending for Cody’s Wish in his final race before retirement. He won 11 of 16 career starts, including eight in stakes races, and over $3.1 million in earnings.
Junior Alvarado talks to the Stewards from the parade ring (Pic – Racing TV)
Waiting in the winner’s circle during the inquiry was Cody Dorman, a teenager who has a rare genetic disorder and uses a wheelchair.
He and the horse first met during a Make-A-Wish visit to a Kentucky farm when Cody’s Wish was a foal in 2018. Cody’s Wish walked over to Dorman’s wheelchair and put his head in the boy’s lap, creating a touching bond.
“I think that horse probably saved Cody’s life in a lot of ways,” said Kelly Dorman, the boy’s father. “I know him and the horse have made a lot of lives better.”
The Dorman family was on hand last year when Cody’s Wish won the Dirt Mile by a head at Keeneland, and they joined Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott in celebrating again.
“It’s probably one of the most memorable rides that we’ve all been on,” Mott said. “Sometimes it’s a small group that gets to enjoy the win. But I think this one’s been for a lot of people.”
Mott and Alvarado teamed to win their second Cup race of the weekend. They took the $2 million Juvenile Fillies with Just F Y I on Friday.
Enjoy the replay:
