by Greg Gangle, WEG media

Toronto, ON — Sent off at odds of 38-1 in her Autumn Stakes final, very few thought Highland Candy Bar could unwrap a victory, including her trainer/driver Garrett Whelan.

New Image Media photo

Highland Candy Bar was a 1:55.3 winner in the Autumn Stakes final.

Not only did the daughter of Mach Three-Oh My Dear record the win, but she did it the hard way, parked out every step of the mile, winning by a head in the final strides. The triumph was her first of the year from 26 appearances.

Now, just a few days after her $29,400 payday, Whelan hopes lightning can strike twice as Highland Candy Bar begins from post two in her Niagara Stakes elimination on Monday evening (Dec. 19) at Woodbine.

“In her Autumn final, I thought she had a decent enough shot, but after being parked out, the odds were against us,” Whelan said. “The biggest difference for her was putting her on lasix. She’s finishing her miles better.”

The results suggest as much. Highland Candy Bar boasts a record of 1-3-0 from her last five appearances.

“She’s a nice filly to be around,” the St. George resident said. “She’s a very versatile horse, so you can drive her anyway you want. She’s got terrific gate speed if you need it or you can race her from off-the-pace.”

Owned by Mary Clark’s Highland Thoroughbred Farm, Highland Candy Bar has amassed career earnings of $76,300, but Whelan is confident her best days are still ahead of her.

“She’s the type of filly who will only get better with age,” Whelan said. “She would get a little nervous in the paddock on race night and kick the walls a little, but you can tell she’s growing up and maturing.”

After paying $79.90 in her Autumn Stakes final, Whelan is hoping Highland Candy Bar has another sweet score in store.

Three C$25,000 eliminations will take place on Monday evening with the following post positions assigned.

First Elimination-Race 4
1. Cards That Count
2. Shine N Shimmer
3. Lady Luna
4. Dreamfair Misty
5. Twin B Miracle
6. Carly Hollywood
7. Maggys Art
8. Ms Graywalls
9. Pantsuit Hilary
10. Ground Shaker

Second Elimination-Race 6
1. Do Me Honor
2. Markella
3. Dream Outloud
4. Machs Delicacy
5. Seascape Hanover
6. Kill A Rockingbird
7. Autumn Seelster
8. Flashs Camilla
9. Charolettes Maggie
10. Missmachrts

Third Elimination-Race 9
1. Carsons Satin
2. Highland Candy Bar
3. D Gs Tinkerbell
4. Easterpromise
5. Windsun Soho
6. Tu Sei Bella
7. Western
8. Ms Curator
9. Whos Up Whos Down