Cody’s Wish narrowly beaten in G3 Challenger Stakes

Cody’s Wish ran a race full of promise on his Graded Stakes debut when going down by a neck to Scalding in the G3 Challenger Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, USA, on Saturday, 12 March.

The Curlin homebred, making his four-year-old return for Bill Mott following three straight wins at Churchill Downs, broke half a stride slow but soon recovered to settle in fifth as Wolfie’s Dynaghost established a clear lead.

Cody’s Wish moved up a place as the seven runners bunched leaving the back and travelled strongly around the field under Luis Saez to take third turning for home.

Scalding and Cody’s Wish battled for the lead as Wolfie’s Dynaghost faded inside the final furlong, with the Godolphin colt continuing to hold every chance until Scalding asserted near the line.