Horse Racing News on February 8, 2014

Candy Boy stamped himself as the top contender for the Santa Anita Derby when he overpowered a pair of well-regarded Bob Baffert trainees in winning the $200,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes Feb. 8 at Santa Anita Park.

Hronis Racing LLC's Vagabond Shoes came flying late to capture his second U.S. win in Saturday's Grade 2, $201,500 San Marcos Stakes at Santa Anita. The John Sadler trainee was much the best as the 5-2 favorite and paid $7.40 for the score.

Newtown Anner Stud and Joseph Bulger's Falling Sky hadn't visited the winner's circle in 12 months, but seems to have found new life in the New Year as he led all the way home in Saturday's Grade 3, $100,000 Gulfstream Park Sprint under jockey Luis Saez.

Saturday's Grade 3, $150,000 Suwannee River was devoid of early speed, and horse-for-the-course Parranda seized the opportunity to steal the 1 ⅛-mile race under a canny ride by Jose Lezcano.

Blingo came from off the pace for his first graded stakes score when heavily favored Game On Dude and Blueskiesnrainbows flamed out in the $300,000 San Antonio Stakes Feb. 8 at Santa Anita Park.