In the Grade 2, $500,125 Delaware Handicap held at Delaware Park on a recent Sunday, Honor D Lady showcased her dominance by cruising to victory with a commanding 5 1/2-length margin. Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. and piloted by jockey Jose Ortiz, the 4-year-old daughter of Honor Code delivered a stellar performance, marking Ortiz’s fourth win in the prestigious filly-and-mare race. This achievement equaled the longstanding record set by Angel Cordero Jr., who achieved victories in 1968, 1974, 1981, and 1987.
Honor D Lady, the second choice in a competitive field of seven, rewarded her backers with a return of $6.20 for a win. The race unfolded over a fast main track, with early fractions set by Abundancia, guided by Julio Hernandez, posting times of 24.07 seconds for the quarter-mile and 49.67 seconds for the half-mile before eventually fading to sixth place.
Throughout the 1 3/16-mile distance, Honor D Lady positioned herself strategically under Ortiz’s guidance. Despite a minor adjustment in momentum around the three-eighths pole, where Ortiz noted she moved a touch earlier than anticipated, he adeptly managed her energy and maintained a strong pace. His familiarity with the filly, having previously ridden her to victory, played a crucial role in their successful partnership.
Reflecting on the race, Ortiz commented on the tactical approach advised by Joseph Jr., emphasizing the importance of a clean break from the starting gate and maintaining proximity to the leaders without exerting unnecessary effort. Ortiz’s ability to synchronize with Honor D Lady’s racing instincts proved pivotal as they executed their race plan effectively, ultimately surging ahead decisively in the final stretch.
For Honor D Lady, this triumph marked her second victory of the year from four starts, following an earlier win in the Royal Delta (G3) on February 17. Her career tally now stands at five wins from 13 starts, with cumulative earnings amounting to an impressive $708,167. This latest triumph underscores her consistency and ability to perform at the highest levels of competition, solidifying her reputation as a formidable contender in the world of thoroughbred racing.
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