NEWS
Sidney’s Candy works into race shape
Posted: Monday, November 01, 2010 1:18 PM
SIDNEY'S CANDY
Benoit & Associates photo
by Ed DeRosa
Going into the TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1), Sidney’s Candy will have had just one start in 111 days.
That was not by design since trainer John Sadler had entered the Candy Ride (Arg) colt in the Oak Tree Mile (G2) on October 2 at the Oak Tree meeting at Hollywood Park, but a pending deal to acquire the three-year-old from Sidney and Jenny Craig Trust stymied the start. The deal ultimately fell through, so jockey Joel Rosario will again be in the Craigs’ colors on Saturday at Churchill Downs.
“Having a prep was the plan, but he’s trained right along and not missed anything,” Sadler said Saturday. “I feel as if we’re in a good spot.”
The final workout occurred Monday when Sidney’s Candy breezed five furlongs on the turf in 1:01, galloping out six furlongs in 1:15.60. It was his fifth move since the missed start, a series of workouts that included bullet moves at five, six, and seven furlongs on the synthetic Cushion Track at Hollywood.
Sadler said Sidney’s Candy has done more than enough in the mornings over the past two months to be fit and ready to take on as many as seven other Grade 1 or Group 1 winners, including last year’s winner and champion turf female Goldikova (Ire).
“The question for him is class,” Sadler said. “This is a wonderful, wonderful race with a lot of terrific horses, but we’re coming here with a brilliant horse who set a track record,” when winning the La Jolla Handicap (G2) on August 14 at Del Mar.
Sidney’s Candy went gate-to-wire that day in scoring by 5½ lengths, and chart callers had him up by as much as 13 lengths in the stretch of the 1 1/16-mile race after setting the pace. Sadler again expects Sidney’s Candy on the front end under Joel Rosario, and the trainer hopes for firm turf.
The La Jolla was Sidney’s Candy’s first start on turf. He had previously won three graded stakes, including the Santa Anita Derby (G1), on the synthetic Pro-Ride surface at Santa Anita Park before trying the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) on dirt. He attended the pace early from post 20 but was soon out of the race on a sealed track rated as sloppy.
Sidney’s Candy has won five of nine starts and has earned $803,560.
Ed DeRosa is news editor of Thoroughbred Times
READER COMMENTS
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Posted by: Jack, Balitmore, MD on November 01, 2010 at 09:26 PM
I think how Sidney's Candy goes about running his race in the Breeders Cup Mile-Turf may be one of the deciding factors as to whether or not Goldikova can 3-peat or not? If he bolts out of the gate, and just really goes for it? Like he did setting the Del Mar turf course record for 8-1/2 furlongs in the La Jolla Handicap? Olivier Peslier has a big decision to make, and make quickly on Goldikova. If she gives Sidney's Candy the kind of rope he got in the La Jolla, she won't be able to run him down in time. If she tries to go with Sidney's Candy up front? The two could end up in a front running speed dual. Which could soften both of them up for a late surge from Gio Ponti, Paco Boy, Proviso, or Court Vision. This year's Breeders Cup Mile-Turf will be by far the toughest of the three for Goldikova. IMO. If it turn's into a tactical affair? There's 5 or 6 different horses that could win this race. Goldikova, Gio Ponti, Proviso, Sidney's Candy, Paco Boy, or Court Vision. Those 6 would head my list of horses in the Mile with a very legit shot of winning the race. TJMO.
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Posted by: Dolly, Richmond, VA on November 01, 2010 at 03:04 PM
This horse is the real deal. I hope his missing his intended last start doesn't affect his performance because I believe he is one of few who could take down the sensational battle-tested Goldikova.
Aside from the Classic, this is the race I'm most looking forward to. If he is in fact primed, I don't envision anyone catching him, especially since he set a track record going a 1/16 longer last time while being pressured.
He and Goldikova are simply amazing. Can't wait!
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