Betting The Horses

The last and only time John Sadler started a horse in the Kentucky Derby, he finished sixth (Corby in 1993). This year, Sadler is the trainer of Sidney’s Candy, who has become one of the top contenders to win the Run for the Roses on May 1.

The 3-year-old chestnut colt is the son of Candy Ride.  He is owned and was bred by Jenny Craig.  She named it after her late husband, Sidney Craig.

After generating relatively little buzz heading into this year, he has established himself as a Horse Racing Betting favorite to win the Kentucky Derby.  He is the winner of three consecutive graded stakes races and is now mentioned by most horse racing experts as a top 3 horse.

Sidney’s Candy followed up a disappointing fourth place finish in a field of five at an allowance race at Santa Anita with a dominating victory at the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes.  The race was held on February 15.  He won the race by 4 ¼ lengths.

His next graded stakes race came at the San Felipe Stakes (Grade 2) about a month later.  Caracortado, winner of five consecutive races, was the 7-5 favorite.  Sidney’s Candy would start the race at a moderate pace before roaring to a first place finish with Caracortado finishing third.  Sidney’s Candy ran the final fourth of the race in a blazing 23 seconds.

He solidified himself as a contender for the Kentucky Derby this past Saturday at the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby.  He was able to avoid a controversial bumping incident early in the race involving race favorite Lookin At Lucky.  He won by a commanding 4 ½ lengths.  Sadler opined that it was Sidney’s Candy’s strongest race.