D'code, who rocketed to a front-running 8 1/4-length debut victory in a swiftly run maiden race Dec. 14 at Oaklawn Park, is pointed toward the $1 million Southwest Stakes (G3) Jan. 31 at the Arkansas track. The Southwest is Oaklawn's second Kentucky Derby (G1) points race of 2026 for newly turned 3-year-olds following the $250,000 Smarty Jones Stakes Jan. 3. Both races are at 1 1/16 miles.
D'code, a gray and/or roan son of the late sire Speightstown, races for his breeder, Tom Durant. He sizzled 6 furlongs first time out in 1:09.57 under Cristian Torres, earning a 109 Equibase Speed Figure.
"It was pretty awesome," Trainer H. Ray Ashford Jr. said. "We liked the colt all along, but he ran better than we expected. I thought the horse would win, but I didn't think he'd win in that fashion."
READ: Maiden Watch - Deciphering D'code's Quick Debut Victory
Ashford added that D'code "was a handful" when he returned to the track for the first time since his victory the morning of Dec. 18.
"I think we're kind of leaning toward the Southwest right now," Ashford said. "The Smarty Jones is just too quick back. He came back fine. I don't think he ran that hard, but being a 2-year-old, I don't want to blow his mind. No need to push because he's a nice horse."
