The post parade was impressive for the Robert. B. Lewis. Cool Samurai looked on the muscle and has really filled out. Candy Boy had a shiny coat and Diamond Bachelor stood out on looks.
The pace was projected to be fast and the racetrack on Friday was very speed favoring. Saturday the track was playing to speed or jockeys thought it was as several horses were given flyers out of the gate trying to gain early footing and inside position. Pimpernel drew away after 3 straight fade jobs.
Diamond Bachelor set a honest pace and was sent early to secure the lead. Chitu challenged on the turn and Midnight Hawk got the 3-wide trip. The half mile split was solid for the distance and Diamond Bachelor was basically forced all in and was not able to slow the pace down. Chitu took the lead turning for home and withstood a strong challenge down the lane.
Ultimately Candy Boy had a nice trip. Was at the rail early, waited for the speed to draw away from the field, made his move approaching the turn, and took the final 1/16th of the mile to pass Chitu and draw away. Candy Boy ran a similar race as he did in the Cash Call Futurity and has noticeably improved in his last 3 races and is definitely a top 20 contender. His pedigree is a routers pedigree and he is built like a router and galloped out well.
Chitu is a sprinter, Midnight Hawk is a sprinter. Cool Samurai had no chance with the way the track was playing today and may need to go to Oaklawn or the Fairgrounds to have a real shot at closing.
Candy Boy is probably the leader out West, until and if Shared Belief gets on the Work Tab.
Bayern and Tap It Rich are entered in an Allowance race on Thursday, Kobe’s Back and Indianapolis will battle in the San Vincente with possibly Cherubim. Kristo awaits the San Felipe.
Candy Boy did nothing wrong and it was a solid effort off the layoff, showing no rust.