Honorable Duty latest GSW for Distorted Humor

Honorable Duty became Distorted Humor’s 56th lifetime Graded Stakes Winner on Saturday when he captured the $125,000 Mineshaft H. (G3) at Fair Grounds by a half-length over Grade 1 winner International Star.

When Rise Up sprinted out to a big lead early, Honorable Duty took up a spot in the three-path about eight lengths off the runaway leader. Rise Up began to slow entering the far turn as he was passed by Dazzling Gem and December Seven, with Honorable Duty in fourth on the outside. 

The eventual winner took over soon after turning for home, wearing down Dazzling Gem and holding off the late surge of International Star to secure the win (VIDEO).

The final time of 1:43.03 for the 1 1/16-miles was just a second off the track record, good for a Beyer Speed Figure of 94.

“He ran like we thought he would and he had been training so well,” winning trainer Brendan Walsh said of the 5-year-old. “I think he’s a very good horse who is improving. He idled a little bit in the front, but it was the first time he had passed horses so early in the race, but he ran great and I expected that he wouldn’t let us down.” 

Walsh indicated that DARRS, Inc.-owned would likely make his next start in the New Orleans H. (G2) on April 1 at Fair Grounds. 

Winner of the Tenacious S. in his previous start, Honorable Duty is now 5-2-1 in 11 starts and has earned $261,276. 

Pedigree notes from the TDN

Honorable Duty is out of the unraced Mesmeric (A.P. Indy), who is a daughter of GISW and Broodmare of the Year Toussaud (El Gran Senor). The 13-year-old mare is also a half-sister to MGISW and top sire Empire Maker; GISWs Chester House, Chiselling and Honest Lady , who is the dam of GISW sire First Defence; and MGSW and GISP Decarchy.