Twirling Candy Strolls in Strub

Twirling Candy tracked early leader Indian Firewater and took over without being asked to capture the Grade 2 Strub Stakes by an emphatic 4-1/2 lengths at Santa Anita Park on Feb 5th.

The popular choice returned $3 as the overwhelming 1-2 favorite in the field of seven. Joel Rosario booted home the winner for trainer John Sadler and The Craig Family Trust (Jenny Craig).

Indian Firewater took the field through fractions of :23.44, :46.53, and 1:09.95. At this point Twirling Candy hit his best stride, took command and won under a snug hold, stopping the clock in 1:46.63 for his nine furlong journey.

Tweebster, always well placed under Rafael Bejarano, could not match strides with the winner but was clearly best of the rest for Bob Baffert.

Make Music For Me nipped Indian Firewater for the show and was followed by Oilisblackgold, Honour The Deputy, and Do It All.

Twirling Candy is now the early favorite for the March 5 Santa Anita Handicap, and if today's race was any indication his Big Cap rivals could be in deep trouble.

At Gulfstream Park on Saturday, Giant Oak rallied to win the Grade 1 Donn. Which horse was more impressive in the handicap division, Giant Oak or Twirling Candy? Go to the HRN Power Rankings page for active horses to vote for your favorite.