If you all read my last blog from March 27, you know that Elizabeth Arden's Jet Pilot won the 1947 Kentucky Derby, and that Arden had established herself as the queen of cosmetics and a super power in the business world.
Read that blog if you have not to get the background surrounding Jet Pilot, his trainer, and his owner.
Let's fast forward to another woman who has created just as much of an empire. She has a potential super horse, and he is one of my Derby picks, whom I followed from his 2-year-old racing career on. Chocolate Candy could be Jenny Craig's winning ticket.
We have an article in this week's Blood-Horse magazine highlighting the life of the Craig's and really shining the light on Jenny Craigs love for horse racing -- just as Elizabeth Arden held horse racing close to her heart.
Candy Ride was also owned by the Craig's and he is the father of Chocolate Candy, Evita Argentina, and Capt. Candyman Can.
Candy Ride is a big beautiful horse who was a joy to meet this past year at Hill 'n' Dale's open house. Read my blog post on it here.
You have to see if you're in a dream world or you're in reality. They call it the Sport of Kings for a reason. - Jenny Craig said April 4, 2009 Blood-Horse. She continues on in the article to explain the emotional roller-coaster that racing holds for her and how that is a big part of the draw. The article holds the GREAT story of how she found Dr. Devious as well as Crownette...who is the dam of Chocolate Candy. Then a nice portion of the article is dedicated to Candy Ride, a sire on the rise.
A close third in the CashCall Futurity (gr. I) and various other performances have proven Candy Ride's ability to be with the best. The wins in the California Derby and El Camino Real Derby (gr. III) were just to show off. I am hoping he grabs the earnings he needs in the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) to make it to the big dance on the dirt in the Derby.
Photo: Benoit Caption: Candy Ride
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Now we will transition from focusing on Jenny and Chocolate Candy to give my unofficial Derby top five. Here is a preview of the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I)
1) The Pamplemousse
2) Chocolate Candy
3) Imperial Council
4) I Want Revenge
5) Terrain
Keeping on the radar...come track time:
6) Freisan Fire
7) Dunkirk
8) Quality Road
9) Atomic Rain
Oaks:
1) Rachel Alexandra
2) Rachel Alexandra
3) Rachel Alexandra
4) Evita Argentina
5) Dream Empress
6) Stardom Bound
Photo: A. Duckworth
Caption: Rachel Alexandra
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Night Experiment:
I think Churchill's experiment could work, yes I'm being serious. I think it could totally draw more people, being the races are after work. On the weekend, people want to go out and do stuff and could visit the tracks then visit the club after the last race, as the night will still be going strong.
On top of that, why not create and ambiance and go a step further. Get some sweet DJs and lights going. I know I would be there on the dance floor. I actually would recommend my friend Brock "the Brocktologist" to mix his Rump Activation Devices and DJ with his awesome mixes of electro and dance tunes with classic favorites people would recognize mixed in.
Okay, maybe I am getting a little too excited, but really...I would love to experience horse racing, betting, and socializing in a club-like atmosphere once or twice a year. How interesting that would be? I guarantee there might be a spike in concession sales for Churchill.
To the Floor - Andy Duguid feat. I-Fan
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Also just wanted to give a shout out to a few old friends are racing in the Carter Handicap (gr. I)
Tale of Ekati, Fabulous Strike, and Kodiak Kowboy
