Sidney's Candy Works for Swaps
Santa Anita Derby winner Sidney’s Candy and “now” horse Golden Itiz turned in their final works Sunday for the $200,000 Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park Saturday. The Grade II Swaps is for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles on Cushion Track.
Sidney’s Candy was timed in 1:25.60 for seven furlongs under regular jockey Joe Talamo. Golden Itiz, winner of the Affirmed Handicap here on June 19, drilled five furlongs in 1:02.40 under exercise rider Jose Dominguez.
“He went really smooth all the way,” said John
Sadler, trainer of Sidney’s Candy.
The chestnut Candy Ride colt will try to rebound from a 17th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby on May 1.
Sadler said a combination of a bad post (20), a sloppy track and a fast pace were too much for Sidney’s Candy to handle in Louisville. “We just gave him time to get his energy back up,” said Sadler. “He’s had plenty of works over this track since he came back.”
Sadler said he might also enter Twirling Candy, another Candy Ride colt owned by Jenny Craig, but is unlikely to start. He comes off a smashing 7 ¾-length victory in a 6 ½-furlong race May 29.
“Golden Itiz worked alone this morning,” said trainer Ron Ellis. “He worked with Rail Trip last time.” Jockey Tyler Baze has the call back on the son of Tiznow, shooting for his fourth straight victory.
Ellis said he also planned to enter Pinal to assure an honest pace. Pinal was claimed for $50,000 by Jay Em Ess Stable, which also owns Golden Itiz, out of his last race, a wire-to-wire victory at six furlongs on turf July 4.
Other probable starters are Affirmed runner-up Skipshot (Joel Rosario) and Sham and Snow Chief stakes winner Alphie’s Bet (Mike Smith).