Held up by Irad Ortiz Jr

Wathnan Racing's Commandment enhanced his Kentucky Derby claims after swooping late to land a thrilling Grade 1 Florida Derby on Saturday night.


Often thought about the most important trial for the 'Run for the Roses', this year's Florida Derby was hotly objected to and Commandment triumphed in a thrilling finish at Gulfstream Park when overhauling The Puma on the line to win by a nose.


The Brad Cox-trained colt won the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes at the track last month and tuned up for Churchill Downs with a strong staying performance under Flavien Prat.


Cox said: "I thought he had a shot. At the sixteenth pole, with the ground he was making up, I thought he responded well. My frame of mind was all set, this is a good race and it's going to set him up for the Derby, win or lose. I'm pleased we came out on the best end."


The last horse to win the Florida Derby and Kentucky Derby was Always Dreaming in 2017. The 2019 Florida Derby winner Maximum Security also completed the double, but was disqualified from the Kentucky Derby following disturbance.


Commandment is now the 6-1 2nd favourite for the Kentucky Derby on May 2 behind 9-2 market leader Renegade, who impressed in his trial when scorching away with the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn.


Held up by Irad Ortiz jr, Renegade started to circle the field on the home turn and revealed a potent turn of foot to diminish Silent Tactic and protect a four-length triumph.


Like Commandment, the colt is by leading American sire Into Mischief. He is trained by Todd Pletcher - who is now the race's most effective trainer on 6 wins - for owners Robert and Lawana Low and Mike Repole.


Pletcher said: "I'm extremely delighted. I enjoyed the way he completed. I'm really pleased for the Lows and Repoles.