WinStar Farm has sold an interest in Grade 1 winner Sidney’s Candy to the Argentina-based Rubio B Stable, and plans to shuttle him to Ricardo Benedicto’s Haras La Pasion in Argentina for the 2012 Southern Hemisphere breeding season following Sidney’s Candy’s introductory season at stud in North America at WinStar. Plans call for the brilliant chestnut colt to retire following the 2011 racing season, but until then he’ll race for WinStar Farm and Rubio B.
“Rubio B has acquired a significant interest in Sidney’s Candy, and he will shuttle to Haras La Pasion in Argentina after his initial season at WinStar,” said Elliott Walden, WinStar President/CEO & Racing Manager. “We’ve been impressed with Haras La Pasion for a long time and like what they bring to the table. They’re a leader in Argentina and have a great program. So we’re thrilled to be working with one of the best that South America has to offer, and it’s especially important that we happen to share the same passion for Sidney’s Candy and his great potential.”
Earlier this month, Sidney’s Candy was acquired by WinStar and turned over to trainer Todd Pletcher, who is pointing the colt for several marquee races the second half of the year. Antonio Bullrich and John Fulton helped consummate the deal between WinStar and Rubio B, a perennial leading Thoroughbred owner in Argentina.
“Candy Ride is special to Argentina because he was the best horse to ever leave the country,” said Benedicto of Haras La Pasion, which is located in the Providence of Buenos Aires. “Sidney’s Candy is his best son, and we’re excited about our relationship with WinStar.”
By Candy Ride (Arg) out of the Storm Cat mare Fair Exchange, Sidney’s Candy is a five-time graded stakes winner and two-time track record-setter. He owns graded victories on dirt, turf and synthetics, with his biggest win to date coming in the form of a 4 1/2-length romp in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) as a 3-year-old over champion Lookin At Lucky. At two, Sidney’s Candy broke the 5 1/2-furlong track record at Del Mar in 1:02.71 before returning a year later to break the 1 1/16-mile course record in 1:39.52 over the Del Mar turf course. He currently holds earnings of $953,560.
