Saratoga Springs, NY — Since arriving at Saratoga Casino Hotel in late summer, Rock Candy has been a force for owner-trainer Zach Vickerson, rising from $12,500 to $25,000 claimers through the fall and making his Open-class debut at the Spa a winning one by way of a 1:54.3 score in Saturday’s (Nov. 30) $15,000 Open Pace.
Sent off the 2-1 favorite in line to Jay Randall, Rock Candy got away fifth before following cover behind the first-over Primo Uomo (driven by Jimmy Devaux), who cleared for the lead past three-quarters in 1:26. Primo Uomo clung to a length lead at the top of the stretch but proved to be no match late for Rock Candy, who surged to win by a half length.
Pirate Hanover (Aaron Byron) closed from last to finish second over Primo Uomo.
An 8-year-old gelded son of Pet Rock, Rock Candy paid $6.00 to win.
Live racing at Saratoga resumes Sunday at 12 noon. There is a $2,471 carryover in the Pick-5, which comprises the afternoon’s first five races.