Commandment kicks off huge day for Into Mischief in Florida Derby (G1)

Commandment rallied from last to win Saturday’s $1 million Florida Derby (G1) by a nose over The Puma under a perfectly-timed ride by Flavien Prat.

About an hour after Commandment secured his spot in the Kentucky Derby (G1), Into Mischief got his second derby winner of the day when Renegade dominated the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1).

Both colts earned 100 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, with Commandment now topping the list with a total of 150, while Renegade is second with 125.

Commandment, who had won the Fountain of Youth S. (G2) and Mucho Macho Man earlier in the Gulfstream Park meet, was allowed to settle at the back of the six-horse field as longshot Wayne’s Law posted a half-mile of :48.80. Still at the back after six furlongs in a slow 1:13 flat, Commandment made a four-wide move coming into the stretch to set his sights on The Puma and Nearly, who had taken the top two spots.

The Puma looked to have the upper hand with under a furlong to run, but Commandment had him measured, and with one final surge, put his nose in front on the wire.

“He’s a big, sturdy horse,” trainer Brad Cox said. “I’ve said that several times. He takes his races really well and a couple people told me he was the paddock pick. He’s a big, sturdy horse and once again, once he comes out of it in good order, I think it will set him up for five weeks (for the Kentucky Derby).”

Owned by Wathnan Racing, Commandment 4-0-0 in five starts and has earned $1,017,339. The bay colt was bred in Kentucky by Lee Pokoik and sold for $500,000 at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling sale.