2009 Bay Shore (G3) - Capt. Candyman Can

Capt, Candyman Can, turning back to seven furlongs, delivered as the crowd favorite Saturday afternoon by winning the 49th running of the Grade 3, $200,000 Bay Shore for three-year-olds by three and three-quarter lengths. Owned by Joseph Rauch and David Zell, the Candy Ride colt earned his third victory from six starts by laying off front-running longshot Hatfield, who was pressed by second-choice Taqarub through splits of 22.51, 45.19 and 1:09.91. There was a lot of speed in the race and my horse, he broke good but not fast enough to get up with the speed, said winning jockey Javier Castellano, whose mount returned $4.40 to win. He broke a little slow, and Im glad he did that because I had a chance to set up a little bit and ride up to the speed. I was looking for a good spot and I got it. When I asked him, he took off. I looked for the point and he really went after it. Although Taqarub had taken the lead into the lane, Capt. Candyman Can cleared him with ease to win in 1:22.99 on Aqueducts fast main track. Winner of Gulfstream Parks Grade Hutcheson, he rebounded from a fourth-place finish to eventual Florida Derby winner Quality Road in the Grade 2, one-mile Fountain of Youth on February 28. I am very happy, said winning trainer Ian Wilkes. Our plan was to settle. I asked (jockey) Javier (Castellano) to give me four lengths at the start; after that, it was up to him. I thought thered be more speed in the race. I think hell run three-quarters, seven-eighths hes a one-turn horse. I think he might stretch out to a mile later on. Our ultimate goal is the (NetJets) Kings Bishop (Grade 1, $300,000, seven furlongs, Aug. 29, Saratoga). In between we have several options. Right now, I am going to enjoy this. Kiaran McLaughliin, trainer of runner-up Taqarub, may look to the Grade 2, $250,000 Woody Stephens for three-year-olds at seven furlongs at Belmont Park on Belmont Stakes Day, Saturday, June 6, as a possible next start. He had a great trip we were just second-best today, McLaughlin said. The winner is a very nice horse and congratulations to Ian (Wilkes, trainer) and all his connections. We were second-best best and happy to be there. Yano, at 49-1, was third, followed by Hatfield, Not for Silver, Rocketing Returns, King Puma, Lyin Heart and Counter Move. Gato Go Win was a late scratch.

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