Potential Pacific Classic (gr. I) favorite Twirling Candy posted a bullet work Aug. 7 when he covered six furlongs in 1:11 3/5. The 4-year-old son of Candy Ride was the fastest of 20 horses at the distance.
Ridden by Joel Rosario, Twirling Candy worked in company with Domonation, conceding the stablemate a five-length start. Domonation was joined partway into the work by another horse, clockers said.
In the stretch, Twirling Candy went between the two and finished a half-length in front. Domonation was clocked in 1:12.60 for six furlongs.
Twirling Candy has won four graded stakes, including the 2010 Malibu (gr. I) and this year’s Strub and Californian (both gr. II).
The dark bay or brown colt was bred in Kentucky by Sidney and Jenny Craig. The latter campaigns Twirling Candy in the name Craig Family Trust in partnership with Will Farish and Martin Wygod.
Twirling Candy will enter the Pacific Classic off a third-place effort in the July 9 Hollywood Gold Cup Handicap (gr. I). In all, he holds a record of 7-0-1 from 10 starts, for earnings of $744,900.