Where Will Bodexpress Run Next?

Handicappers and racing fans can endlessly argue the merits of top 3-year-olds like Maximum Security, Country House and War of Will, but I don’t think anyone will deny that Bodexpress has surpassed them all in the eyes of the general public.

After losing his rider at the start of the May 18 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico, Bodexpress put on a show for the crowd and everyone watching on television. He raced along with the pack before continuing on past the finish line for another lap around the track. Catching him wasn’t easy. Bodexpress wanted to run, and his competitive spirit in the absence of a jockey was on full display.

The question is, where will Bodexpress run next? The popular colt with a growing fan base will attract attention wherever he goes, so where might we see him in the future?

There are three main paths forward for the connections of Bodexpress to ponder. During the coming months, Bodexpress could…

...Continue to Face the Best

Having competed in two Triple Crown races and three straight grade 1 races, with a runner-up effort in the Florida Derby (G1) among his performances, Bodexpress has already demonstrated he can hold his own against some of the best colts in the 3-year-old division. If his connections wish to continue down this path, with a race like the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) as the ultimate goal, they’ll have no shortage of options. While the Belmont Stakes (G1) might be coming up a bit quick after Bodexpress’s prolonged tour of Pimlico, races like the July 20 Haskell Invitational (G1) at Monmouth Park and the Aug. 24 Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga could be on the horizon.

...Take it Easy at Gulfstream Park

Gustavo Delgado, the trainer of Bodexpress, is based in Florida throughout the year, so another option is for Bodexpress to head south and spend the summer racing against easier competition at Gulfstream. A race like the seven-furlong Carry Back Stakes on June 29 could provide an opportunity for Bodexpress to cut back in distance, drop in class and pick up a confidence-boosting victory before returning to the big leagues.

...Drop Down to Maiden Company

Since Bodexpress has never won a race—a rare oddity for a horse of his caliber—he’s still eligible to compete against fellow maidens in maiden special weight events. Lightly raced up-and-comers could be in for an unpleasant surprise this summer if Bodexpress slips into the entries for a maiden race without anyone noticing. The sharp drop in class would likely yield a victory.

Where would you like to see Bodexpress turn up next?