When it seems like the story of Cody’s Wish and his name, Cody Dorman, couldn’t get any better.
It is well documented that Dorman, born with a rare genetic disorder called Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, developed an almost mystical connection to the horse. They met through a concerted effort between Keeneland Racecourse and the Make-A-Wish Foundation when a purebred Godolphin was an aspiration.
Dorman’s wheelchair and inability to speak didn’t stop the horse from slowly approaching and gently resting its head on the boy’s lap as the family visited Gainsborough Farm in Versailles, Ky.
Their relationship has grown stronger since then. The horse inspired Dorman to redouble his efforts in physical therapy after challenges that included two open-heart surgeries and nearly 50 operations. The 17-year-old recently used head movements to communicate via a tablet computer in the belief that Cody’s Wish saved his life.
The story has inspired many others with physical challenges that seem to culminate as Cody’s Wish embodies the same big heart that has allowed the young man to survive on numerous occasions when the The doctor thought all was lost.
Zodiac sign twice of the year make for curly staged a spectacular rally from the last to win the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) last November in Keeneland. Dorman and his family were seen as part of a large cheering crowd.
How can it get any better than that? And it has.
As Cody’s Wish enters what could be the toughest challenge of his career at the $1 million Urban Handicap (G1) on June 10 at Belmont Parkthere is every reason to believe that he is currently finding his best move.
“This year will be a very promising year for him,” said regular driver Junior Alvarado. “He’s going to be very difficult.”
Alvarado loves everything about his five-year-old mount debut. After conceding Dorman while walking to the track, Cody’s Wish created another late rally to dominate the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1) May 6 with a length of 4 3/4 as part of the lower card. Kentucky Derby (G1).
Cody’s wishes do not always satisfy the rider’s wishes. This time, he accepts every suggestion after once again skipping his time at the start of the seven-step competition.
“As I started moving my hand little by little, he started picking it up,” Alvarado said. “It was probably the first time for me that when I was with him, I could do whatever I wanted without having to fight him or do whatever he wanted.”
Michael Banahan, Godolphin USA’s blood stock director, observed their newly found relationship from the stands. “When Junior asked him, he was there for him,” said Banahan. “He’s in hand.”
Then there’s the engine purring for Alvarado, the pilot adept in the last five races. “The power coming home, it feels great,” said the jockey, adding, “Having that feeling underneath you is unbelievable. There’s so much more to it. I’m so excited.”
Cody’s Wish Wins Churchill Downs Stakes at Churchill Downs
Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott is renowned for his ability to bring out the best in older horses. Cody’s Wish is the latest example of that. He enters the Met Mile with wins in eight of his last nine starts and a streak of five race wins that includes a 1st place point in his last three starts. In total, he owns eight wins in 12 lifetime attempts with a net worth of $1,778,530. He never failed to hit the council.
Banahan noted: “Although he is only 5 years old, he is a relatively light racehorse, perhaps maturing and gaining more experience.
According to Kelly Dorman, his son is delighted with the progress he has seen in Churchill Downs Stakes. “He was laughing all the way home,” he said of his trip to Richmond, Ky. “He laughed when we tried to get him to bed and make him clean.
“I wish people could see that side of him when he did that. The delayed excitement he got, it was priceless to see how much that horse has done for him.”
Although Cody is not deaf, he was recently invited to a local race for deaf children. That event demonstrated what Cody and Cody’s Wish mean to those facing physical challenges. Many children took pictures with Cody.
Kelly said: “You can see how bright their faces are when you meet him in person.
Cody is embracing her status as a role model. “He fostered the happiness and inspiration that so many people have received,” says Kelly.
As for Cody’s Wish, he continues to show every sign that he’s thriving. He worked three times at Racecourse Saratoga since his in-season debut, has produced the fastest drill at long distance each time. Last Sunday, he tore 4 hooks in time: 46.83 seconds, the fastest among 22 workers.
He will have to do his best to maintain his winning streak in the Met Mile against a dense list of successful challengers.
“We go there with a lot of optimism regardless of who shows up,” said Banahan, appreciating what winning the Met Mile means for the horse’s background as well as Cody and the growing corps his increase.
