Commandment passed the two-turn test and has stepped fully onto the Derby trail

The son of Into Mischief, with Irad Ortiz Jr. in his reins, narrowly took the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park

On the inside, Commandment resisted until the wire / ADAM COGLIANESE

HALLANDALE BEACH, Florida (Special for Turf Diario).- The exam was clear: to confirm that he could translate his single-turn dominance to the demanding terrain of two turns. And Commandment responded like a colt with big aspirations. The Wathnan Racing representative took the Coolmore Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park, defeating Chief Wallabee (Constitution) by a neck after a thrilling finish.

Trained by Brad Cox, the 2-1 favorite used his experience to prevail in the 80th edition of the traditional 1,700-meter preparatory race, an event that awards 50 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby (G1) and serves as a preview for the Florida Derby (G1).

A winner by 6 3/4 lengths in the Mucho Macho Man (L) in his previous outing, Commandment settled in fifth while Rockies Balboa (Girvin) set fractions of 23s16/100 and 46s89/100. In the final turn, when Solitude Dude (Yaupon) took the lead and the pace intensified, Irad Ortiz Jr. sought the inside path and found the right gap upon entering the stretch.

In the lane, Commandment took a slight advantage but had to resist the determined surge of Chief Wallabee, who was contesting only his second race. The definition was head-to-head until the wire, where the son of Into Mischiefmaintained the minimum difference in 1m43s33/100.

“He had to fight to win and he responded very well. He passed the two-turn test,” noted Cox, who is now evaluating the next step between the Curlin Florida Derby (G1) or the Blue Grass Stakes (G1). “The Florida Derby is the logical place, but first we must make sure he comes out of the race well,” he added.

An exultant Ortiz highlighted the colt's attitude: “From day one he has done everything right. He never gave me a bad feeling. When the space opened, he was ready to go.”

For his part, Bill Mott was satisfied with his pupil's second-place finish: “Of course you are disappointed when you lose like that, but he ran huge against rivals with much more experience.”

Solitude Dude, previously undefeated, completed the podium 2 lengths back after setting the pace in the final turn.

Commandment added his third victory in 4 starts and took a firm step toward the great goal in May. At this time of year, more than winning, how one wins matters. And on Saturday at Gulfstream, he showed that he has not only talent, but character.

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