Candyman E Takes Toboggan
In a veritable replay of December's Spooky Mulder, Candyman E ran past Dads Caps in the final strides of today's $100,000 Toboggan to win by three-quarters of a length for trainer David Jacobson.
Away in midpack, the chestnut gelding was hustled early by jockey C.C. Lopez to keep front-running Dads Caps in his sights. After setting early fractions of 22.97 and 45.50 seconds, Dads Caps spurted away turning for home, opening up a two-length lead as they entered the stretch. Never wavering in his pursuit, Candyman E continued his run down the middle of the track, incrementally making up ground until putting his nose in front a few strides from the wire.
"I had no doubt my horse could probably beat him again," said Lopez, "only because he beat him last time in the same fashion. I knew [Dads Caps] was faster than [Candyman E]; I just tried to not give him too much of a lead. [At the top of the stretch] I hadn't gotten to my horse left-handed yet, and when I hit him left handed he went after him, and I knew he was going to win from there."
Grade 1 stakes winner Strapping Groom - part of a heavily favored entry on the morning line with Praetereo - was withdrawn Saturday morning due to a quarter crack, according to Jacobson, but the scratch did not dampen the trainer's expectations.
"We had a lot of confidence in Candyman E," said Jacobson. "The plan was to not let [Dads Caps] get away. Chuckie [Lopez] did a great job stalking him, staying with him, and we were able to run him down in the last few jumps."
Owned by Gold Square LLC and Jacobson, the 7-year-old gelded son of Candy Ride improved his career mark to 10 wins in 21 starts - including two wins from two starts in the Jacobson barn - and boosted his career bankroll to $559,413 with today's earnings of $90,000. The 5-2 second choice, Candyman E returned $7.10 for a $2 win bet.
Behind Dads Caps, it was another 2 ½ lengths back to Non Stop in third while Sensational Slam, Praetereo, and Bet the Power rounded out the order of finish.