Commandment edges The Puma in Florida Derby

The Kentucky Derby (G1) was in search of a new favorite Saturday afternoon when news broke that Risen Star (G2) winner Paladin had been ruled out of the first classic after sustaining an ankle injury during a workout that morning. It possibly found one a few hours later, when Commandment bravely rallied to win the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) in a photo over Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner The Puma.

Commandment will head back to Churchill Downs a winner of four consecutive races. Fourth in his debut at Keeneland in October, he rebounded the following month to beat maiden foes at Churchill by more than five lengths.

Hopping into stakes company right away this year, Commandment took the one-mile Mucho Macho Man S. at Gulfstream by 6 3/4 lengths on Jan. 2. He then edged Chief Wallabee by a neck following an inside rally in the Feb. 28 Fountain of Youth (G2).

In contrast to that prep, Commandment had to take the overland route into contention and winner's circle in the Florida Derby. Trailing the field of six three furlongs from home, Commandment commenced a bid approaching the quarter pole and was virtually in the middle of the track entering the stretch.

By then, The Puma had seized the lead from 7-5 favorite Nearly and fading pacesetter Wayne's Law. The Puma looked as if he would hang on, but Commandment had just enough distance, and time, to seize the win by a nose under Flavien Prat.

"I was a bit worried because I wasn't traveling very well the first part. The pace wasn't very fast and I was just in the back, and I thought I would be a bit closer," Prat said. "Then I tipped him out turning for home, he swapped leads and from there he gave me a good, solid run."

Owned by Wathan Racing and trained by Brad Cox, Commandment paid $5.80. He covered 1 1/8 miles over a fast track in 1:49.99.

The Puma finished second by a half-length over Chief Wallabee, whose rally between The Puma and Commandment wasn't quite good enough. Nearly, the Holy Bull (G3) winner, finished a disappointing fourth and was followed by Wayne's Law and Timeless Victory.

Commandment earned an additional 100 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby, and now has 150. The Puma increased his total from 56 to 106, while Chief Wallabee boosted his total from 25 to 50. Nearly increased his points from 20 to 35, while Wayne's Law's total rose from 10 to 20 points.

A Kentucky-bred graduate of the Keeneland September sale for $500,000, Commandment is by Into Mischief and out of Spinaway (G1) heroine Sippican Harbor, a daughter of 2013 Kentucky Derby winner Orb.