Arcadia, CA
Danzig Candy went to the front in the San Felipe Stakes and never looked back Saturday afternoon at Santa Anita Park.
The three-year-old colt went straight to the lead, setting strong opening fractions of :22, :46, 1:11, and just continued going.
Danzig Candy was able to shake loose under jockey Mike Smith and stole the Grade II event by a clear two-lengths. His connections knew the young colt had speed and it was on display. As Candy ran the 1 1/16 mile race in a quick 1:43 final time.
Favored Mor Spirit tried to cut into the lead, but couldn't make a big dent and finished in second place.
Exaggerator, another well bet Derby prospect, finished 3/4 lengths further back in third. Jockey Kent Desormeaux appeared to make a move too early around the turn and therefore flattened out down the stretch.
Danzig Candy returned $13 to win and is expected to run next in the Santa Anita Derby on April 9.