The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Householder — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:14:01 GMT

Sadler already has said they are going to "re-examine" the distance with Twirling Candy. Most likely BC Dirt Mile.

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Footlick — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 04:10:19 GMT

Smoking Baby- I agree. Twirling Candy ran a better race at 10 furlongs than Quality Road ever did. I still feel they need to use his natural speed to his advantage. BTW- I just looked at the RPR rankings at the Racing Post and Twirling Candy was rated 3 lbs better than Game on Dude and 5 lbs better than First Dude for the race. They take weight carried into account. Interesting.

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Footlick — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:56:10 GMT

Twirling Candy got a better RPR(Racing Post Rating) than both Dude's so they factored in the weight carried.

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Alex'sBigFan — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 22:47:15 GMT

Just for some clarification on my post above, "Dragonwyck" is an old movie from maybe the 40's with Gene Tierney and Vincent Price. He plays a rich land baron in NY and there is that famous speech he does in it where he begs to be different and not run with the pack. It describes Shack's running style to me.

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Skip — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 01:30:22 GMT

Excuse me Draynay but I must have missed your mention of First Dude.

Please point out where you picked him prior to the race.

I sort of laugh at the comments about some of these horses. I would gladly wager that most if not all of you would love to have the money that these horses earn in these big races.

So funny.

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Householder — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 18:14:40 GMT

It wasn't the first time DRYSDALE rained on the Swaps. Prized beat a weary legged Sunday Silence.

Baffert has a habit or turning east coast "Re-Treads" into champions. POTN steps out of the Mott trailer and becomes an instant Derby favotite (winning over 1 million before the Derby even starts!!!).

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Aluminaut — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 04:50:35 GMT

Jason, have a great vacation.

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Alex'sBigFan — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 01:20:30 GMT

Gun Bow,

I liked your analysis of First Dude's running style and describing to us that he is a herd runner and able to gear up and respond again as the herd passes him as a target. Very interesting. And very different from Shackleford, and I wonder what these 2 would do if they meet up in the BC Classic? Shackleford's style is more like "I will NOT run with the pack. I will not look down or run on the same ground with the rest as long as there are limitless open spaces." Something to that effect is a quote from Vincent Price in Dragonwyck which reminds me so much of Shack's running style. Add Mo to the mix and maybe some of the returning injured troops like PrePeg and foot resting Soldat and we could have ourselves a great BC Classic with even a filly in the mix and some Euro invaders as well.

At this point though, only one this is for sure from this weekend, Bob Baffert and First Dude, are looking mighty good, and "all duded up!" Congrats to both!

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Alex'sBigFan — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:51:53 GMT

And the Dudes have it!!! First Dude is a big boy. I saw him last year in NY and NJ, big striding boy which I think gives him the edge in striking. Weren't "the Dudes" kind of second string behind Lucky last year? The Dudes and Twirling Candy weren't all that far apart in distance in the H Gold Cup but FD has more of that closing ability.

How about a round of applause for this Awesome Gem and his owners? This guy has been running straight since he ran with Curlin and SS in the BC some 4 years ago!!! Awesome Gem is like the energizer bunny, keeps going, doesn't come in the money too often but he's been running a long time and that deserves some kudos.

First Dude appears to be taking the older male champ honors so far. I'm more excited to hear about Uncle Mo's return! Yippeeee!

He ships today to Saratoga I believe. He'll love it up there at the Spa. I pray he thrives and gets redemption in the second half of the year since he was robbed of his first half by illness. Go Mo!!! Welcome back Mo!!! "Dude's gonna look like a lady" if Mo returns but then again the ladies could take it all!!!!!!!!!!!

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Footlick — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 21:11:52 GMT

Why didn't they put Twirling Candy on the lead? The pace was not fast and he has much better early speed than Game On Dude. It might have been a different outcome if they let him use his speed to his advantage instead of trying to rate him off a moderate pace. It seems to me that a horse like him has to be allowed to run his "natural' race. Maybe I'm wrong, but with no dominant speed in the race you would think they would have wanted to be the controlling speed.

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

It aint easy being good! — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:43:04 GMT

You want to hear triple crown blues. I used to bet online and I get an email saying that sportsbook was bought out and you should pull your money! I live in MN and there is a government shutdown so no racing and no simulcasting...FML!

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Smoking Baby — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:39:40 GMT

I remember when Quality Road got beat in the Whitney. He put up NO fight. Blame just ran right by him once he caught up. Then I had to read again and again how he was carrying five more pounds than the winner and how that was the difference at a mile and an eighth. All of which brings me to Saturday's Gold Cup. As I wrote earlier I was in fact disappointed that Twirling Candy didn't dust the field and I do admit he might not be quite as good as all the hype. The fact remains that Twirling Candy DID fight it out and give his best the length of the stretch while giving SIX pounds to the winner and FOUR pounds to the Big 'Cap winner. If conceding five pounds makes all the difference when it's Quality Road at a mile and an eighth shouldn't giving away six pounds at a mile and a quarter also provide at least some excuse for Twirling Candy getting beat a long head? Or do the rules only apply when it's a horse you like? Twirling Candy is a Graded Stakes winner on all three surfaces and wins nearly twice as often as he gets beat. Take a quick look at this years top ten money earners. Most of them get outrun more often than they win. And if you are thinking about replying that dirt is the only surface that matters remember that the next time you start crowing about Goldikova again. If that same mare was from California we'd be hearing about how she never runs on dirt or never wins beyond a mile and an eighth GUARANTEED. My point is that Twirling Candy is a real nice colt, maybe, even probably not as good as all the hype but I'd bet he perfoms better in the Classic (assuming he's lucky enough to get there) than Quality Road did. I haven't read EVEN ONE post where someone admitted that Quality Road wasn't quite the second coming he was hyped to be but hey...We was from the East and was in Pletcher's barn so he gets a pass? WOW...Took a little turn to the dark side there. I guess I need some coffee. Sorry folks, I'm just saying.

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

SACK THE SECRATARY — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:27:35 GMT

Flashpoint is a sprinter trained by WW and like most of his horses he is a very good gate horse,thats Mr. Wards strategy teach em to break quick, and jump out to the lead.As far as running against the Factor and a recovering 1st race sprint comeback for Mo,I think I would take the Factor without knowing track bias if any,and post positions.The Factor did set a track record in a sprint.

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Linda in Texas — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:44:40 GMT

GunBow - did not realize Game on Dude had never raced on synthetics. And First Dude hadn't in 15 months. That is interesting.

I was hoping GOD (sorry could not resist) would cross the wire first as winning wire to wire, but his stable mate First Dude knew he had to live up to his name or he would never hear the end of it back at Baffert's stable. :)

Runflatout - Zookeeper, he ran a great race. When he was being squeezed on the rail, he threw his head somewhat and was not thinking nice thoughts to the horse that was squeezing him, and rallied to get his own space. Each race builds his stamina, he seems to enjoy being in the lead and i think perhaps a shorter race would suit him. Please know i am no expert, not a trainer but just an observer.

We all want to see Runflatout win one and we will. I guess i am saying he is not a closer or a stalker.

Watching the Man O'War and Spencer on Cape Blanco was okay, he won. However, the horse was racing as fast as he could and Spencer was still whacking him as they went across the finish line. Looked like double time whipping to me, but then someone said it doesn't hurt the horse! I thought he used the whip excessively. JMO

Dr. D. - your Dude post was cool, Dude. As i have posted before, i like the dudes and to come in 1 and 2 was a pleasure to watch.

Have a great vacation Jason.

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Ivan — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:49:12 GMT

Twirling Candy = Quality Road. Same style, same limitations. A toss in the BC Classic.

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Rachel NH — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:19:18 GMT

Gunbow, i love yah, but Game on Dude is a fighter and "wants" 10 and a fighting head behind TC gets the book closed on him? seriousy "dude?" (sorry couldn't resist, lol.)

PS I thought you loved the horses...what did TC ever do to you to deserve being compared to LJ? ;-)

Zookeeper, another day to race! What could be better!

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

chucky — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 04:13:12 GMT

Twirling Candy, Rachel Alexandra, Uncle Mo, Shackleford, The Factor......man oh man.....these are the same mundane 9 furlong horses that we have been breeding.....now we have day dreamers that believe Havre de Grace or Blind luck are that great and will be in the Breeders Classic....

Zenyatta only comes along once in a lifetime....

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

GunBow — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 03:02:03 GMT

Ranagulzion:

I was never out pushing Twirling Candy. I've been relatively skeptical of him. So, I don't know if you would be telling me anything new.

But, yes, I'm also skeptical of Sidney's Candy. I guess he's going in the Whitney. Perhaps Pletcher can get something more out of him, but until I see it I'm going to expect Sidney to give up leads in deep stretch.

I think Sidney's best chance in a race like the Whitney is to just go out there and gun early to get some separation and build a decisive lead entering the stretch. Backing things up on the lead will keep the closers within striking distance, and I contend that if a quality horse is within 2 lengths of Sidney entering the stretch, Sidney will cough up the lead.

Yet, I do like Sidney and will be rooting for him to do well in the Whitney. I have seen Sidney win 4 graded stakes in person, and became a fan after the San Vicente(go back in the archives to see my thoughts of that race).

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Footlick — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 02:54:53 GMT

Have a great vacation Jason

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

GunBow — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 02:52:33 GMT

Sylvester:

I didn't meant to be totally dismissive, but First Dude was just coming off a successful trip back East.

And, it would be hard to blame Baffert or Donald Dizney if they keep First Dude in California through the summer given the Pacific Classic is a $1 million race at 10 furlongs. $1 million is still alot of money, and we know First Dude loves the distance. The Whitney and Woodward are grand races, but the Whitney is coming up too soon, and the Woodward is at 9 furlongs and offers $250k less than the Pacific Classic. The only concern about the Pacific Classic is whether First Dude likes Del Mar's Polytrack. Obviously, First Dude can run on synthetics, but Cushion Track is more like dirt than Polytrack is, and First Dude's effort over Keeneland's Poly in the Blue Grass was one of his less impressive efforts last year.

I do think Twirling Candy should head East. If, as expected, Sadler points Twirling Candy for races shorter than 10 furlongs, there is really nothing on the schedule for him in California until the Goodwood(or Clement Hirsch if they go turf). A race like the Woodward would seem to be ideal for Twirling Candy, or he could shoot for mile turf races with the Woodbine Mile and/or Shadwell Mile ultimate objectives. If they think Twirling Candy can get 10 furlongs on turf, there is always the Arlington Million.

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 01:56:30 GMT

Ranagulzion

Form could easily be the factor for Flashpoint, and he's no slouch. He's in the same classification of a possible sprint monster. I assume it's a stepping stone for Mo to at least a mile although I suspect the Classic distance is still a goal for them. And what about Indiano who had the most impressive sprint win yesterday in my opinion. He could be up there with them. 3 and up, I love what is happening in the sprint division. We could see something special in the BC Sprint this year if they all stay healthy. With Twirling Candy I also believe that he needs to close at 10f to have a better chance. He's learning to relax more so a 10f win is possible. I'd enter the BC dirt mile with him and let him lead or press in that one.

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Mike Relva — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 01:20:09 GMT

RANAGULZION

TC has a ton of talent,not everyone can get 10f. He didn't lose by 10, just a head.

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Sylvester — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:19:24 GMT

Mike you'll be my biggest fan after next weekend. Havre De Grace will beat Blind Luck easily and Blind Luck will then by pointed to the Ladies Classic where she'll get dusted by Awesome Maria. Hear me now and believe me later.

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

Ranagulzion — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:28:33 GMT

Enjoy your vacation Jason.

Gun Bow, its now clear that 'Twirling' isn't the sweetest 'Candy' after all. I feel like shouting I told you so (watch out for Sidney's Candy in the Whitney-that's going to be THE race of the summer). TC appears to be a very good colt up to nine furlongs but is nothing special going ten. Perhaps like First Dude, if John Sadler can get him to become a closer he could really sparkle at the classic distance, seeing that he was allowing weight all around and only loss narrowly. When coming from behind he looks very classy so maybe his running style can be successfully tweaked with a little patience. Twirling Candy is obviously not yet a finished article but there's still time for him to be a serious part of the Breeder's Cup Classic scenario.

Dr Drunkinbum, regarding Uncle Mo's return in time for the King's Bishop; very interesting, but will any 3YO below peak form have a shot against Flashpoint at sprint distances? Short of being at their very best neither Uncle Mo nor The Factor will hold any terror for John Fort's burly grey beast IMO.

re: The Time is Now for Twirling Candy

DeadHeatDebates — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:44:06 GMT

To imply all synthetics are the same is madness. The Breeders Cup took place on Pro-Ride which was a track that had a strong biased towards turf runners and closers. Del Mar is just flat out weird, but HP's Cushion Track is the one that is the fairest and closest to dirt. From what I have seen it is much easier for a dirt horse to run over HP and do well than it was on Pro-Ride. I also noticed that the runners that ran well over that track typically did well when shipping to run over dirt.