Horse Racing News

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.

The California Horse Racing Board suspended jockey Patrick Valenzuela indefinitely Feb. 7 for failing to appear before stewards at Santa Anita Park over charges that he failed to fulfill his riding agreement.

Chriselliam, winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and a finalist for an Eclipse Award, was euthanized Feb. 7 in Newmarket, England, as a result of a foot infection, according to Racing Post.

Sham Stakes winner Midnight Hawk takes his next step on the Triple Crown trail for trainer Bob Baffert when he faces six other 3-year-olds in the $200,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes Feb. 8 at Santa Anita Park.

Considered one of the top older horses in the world, two-time Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude heads a field of seven in the $300,000 San Antonio Stakes in his 2014 debut Feb. 8 at Santa Anita Park.

Fourteen horses have been entered for the San Marcos Stakes on the Santa Anita Park turf Feb. 8, led by recent San Gabriel Stakes winner Jeranimo.