Cody’s Wish back on song as Breeders’ Cup team starts to take shape

Cody’s Wish warmed up for the defence of his Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile crown with a straightforward victory in the G2 Vosburgh Stakes at Aqueduct on Sunday.

The future Darley stallion had met with a surprise defeat when stretching out in trip for the Whitney Stakes but had little difficulty in notching his 10th career win as he comfortably beat Accretive by a length and a half.

Caramel Swirl scored on the same Aqueduct card, although her success in the G2 Gallant Bloom Stakes proved far less routine as she was promoted two places by the stewards after crossing the line in third.

She could yet join Cody’s Wish in Santa Anita in November, with the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint under consideration for the multiple G2-winning mare. Matareya, who finished a place ahead of Caramel Swirl in the Ballerina Handicap, is also being pointed at the same race.

Godolphin’s squad for the dirt races at the Breeders’ Cup is also set to feature Proxy, who is due to return to California for the Classic having finished a neck second over the course and trip in this season’s Santa Anita Handicap.

Coaching Club American Oaks winner Wet Paint is on course to run in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, while a decision over whether Kentucky Oaks heroine Pretty Mischievous lines up in the same race will be taken in nearer the time.

Last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf victor Rebel’s Romance will be hoping to secure his Santa Anita spot when he tackles the rescheduled Joe Hirsh Turf Classic at Aqueduct this Saturday.

His half-brother Measured Time will put his unbeaten record on the line in the Jockey Club Derby on the same day – a race won by Yibir and Nations Pride in the past two years.