By Kieran McHugh
Brad Cox’s Commandment prevailed in a fascinating finish to the 2026 Florida Derby, with Flavian Prat’s mount running down The Puma to prevail by a nose, at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, March 28.
Commandment surged to the top end of the Kentucky Derby market, after a fast-finishing performance in the Florida Derby.
The son of Into Mischief had plenty to do turning into the straight, coming from off the pace set by Nearly and Wayne’s Law.
Brad Cox’s colt had plenty to do in order to catch Gustavo Delgado’s The Puma, who had kicked on.
A special stretch run from Commandment and Flavian Prat meant they nailed The Puma on the line.
A worthy feat considering the slow pace out front.
The Puma lost nothing in defeat.
Whereas Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott will be rueing a troubled trip from Chief Wallaby.
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Commanding Commandment?
There seems to be a consensus that this performance of Commandment was something pretty spectacular.
Every furlong run by the colt was sub-13 seconds, nearly breaking the 12 second barrier in four different furlongs.
Perhaps another precursor to his ability to produce such a last-to-first burst, comes in the form of his stride pattern.
At the end of the Florida Derby, Commandment clocked a 2.4 stride frequency – something pretty unique indeed.
Kentucky Derby
After his performance at Gulfstream Park, Commandment will target at the first leg of the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby.
He has tasted success in two prep races en route in the Fountain Of Youth Stakes and the Florida Derby.
He bids to become Brad Cox’s second Derby winner – after Mandaloun.
Mandaloun was awarded the victory in 2021 following the disqualification of the Bob Baffert-trained Medina Spirit.
Cox also won the Florida Oaks earlier on in the card.
Making him only the third trainer to complete such a feat after Woody Stephens in 1984 and Todd Pletcher in 2014.
As such, both of his victors will line-up in their showpiece events at Churchill Downs, at the beginning of May.
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