Top Billing Out as Honor Code Prepares for Debut…

   “TDN Rising Star”  Top Billing (Curlin) sustained a cracked cannon bone in his right front during a workout at Payson Park Saturday morning, which will scratch him from the GI Florida Derby March 29, trainer Shug McGaughey said. The injury will knock the colt off of the Triple Crown Trail, but McGaughey said that the long-term prognosis is good. 
   “He’s going to Kentucky today,” McGaughey said. “Hopefully he’ll get operated on tomorrow afternoon or first thing Monday morning,” 
   Top Billing has made three starts at Gulfstream Park this year, finishing second in an entry-level allowance Jan. 3 before winning impressively in an optional claimer Jan. 25 and rallying to finish a respectable third in the GII Fountain of Youth Feb. 22. 
   Meanwhile, McGaughey’s other Triple Crown Prospect, “TDN Rising Star” Honor Code (A.P. Indy), is preparing to make his 2014 debut Wednesday in a $75,000 1 1/16 mile allowance at at Gulfstream Park. Honor Code’s winter training was set back by bruised ankles, but he has put in four solid workouts since and is listed as the morning-line favorite for Wednesdays return. 
   “I’m just looking for him to run a decent race,” McGaughey said. “I’d like him to win, but if he doesn’t, we’d like to see something to push on with.” 
   While Honor Code was expected to be pointed toward the GI Wood Memorial at Aqueduct April 5, Top Billing’s injury could refocus the bay towards the Florida Derby. 
   “It’s a good possibility,” McGaughey said. Honor Code to breeze three furlongs at Gulfstream Sunday morning.