Honor D Lady Authoritative in Delaware Handicap Romp
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Photo: Chad B. Harmon
Honor D Lady wins the Delaware Handicap at Delaware Park
Final Furlong Farm and Madaket Stables' Honor D Lady added to her growing résumé July 7 as she pulled away to an authoritative win in the $500,125 Delaware Handicap (G2) at Delaware Park.
Following a second in the June 8 Lady's Secret Stakes at Monmouth Park while carrying eight pounds more than winner Candied , trainer Saffie Joseph left Honor D Lady in the Mid-Atlantic rather than returning to his Gulfstream Park base. Breezing steadily at Monmouth, the daughter of Honor Code entered the race as the clear second choice in a field of seven.
Bounced around exiting the gate, jockey Jose Ortiz settled the 4-year-old filly in third behind Abundancia and Malibu Beauty . Ortiz was content with his spot, having no concern that he would catch the frontrunners despite their tepid pace of :24.07, :49.67 and 1:14.49.
"I didn't want to go too early because I felt the horses I had to beat were behind me," said Ortiz.
Among those behind Ortiz was grade 1 winner Wet Paint , who took her customary position in the back of the pack. The even-money favorite, Wet Paint was hindered by the pace and struggled to gain ground on the far turn. Meanwhile, Honor D Lady was making her move.
"I asked her a little bit and she jumped into the bridle and we passed to the front a little bit sooner than I wanted to," Ortiz said. "I asked her to go at the quarter pole and she responded very good."
Confronted by Saddle Up Jessie at that quarter pole, Honor D Lady shrugged off the challenge and pulled away down the lane to win by 5 1/2 lengths, stopping the clock for 1 3/16 miles in 1:59.86 and paying $6.20 to win.
Saddle Up Jessie, the second-longest shot in the field at 13-1, held on for second by a half-length over Wet Paint, who finally got her hooves underneath her for a rally in the stretch.
The Delaware Handicap marks a third graded win for Honor D Lady, who previously captured the 2023 Remington Park Oaks (G3) and the Feb. 17 Royal Delta Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park. The five-time winner has only finished off the board twice in 13 starts.
Bred in Kentucky by William Harrigan and Mike Pietrangelo, Honor D Lady was purchased for $40,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. She has now earned $708,167 for her owners.
Dual grade 1 winner Honor Code stood at Lane's End Farm through the 2023 racing season before being sold to Yushun Stallion Station in Japan last summer.
The Delaware Handicap was the fourth graded victory for his progeny this season. In addition to Honor D Lady's two graded wins, Honor Code sired Marine Stakes (G3) winner Essex Serpent and Providencia Stakes (G3T) winner Medoro .
Out of the Blame mare Complicated , Honor D Lady is a half sister to grade 1-placed 3-year-old filly Simply in Front .