Unbeaten Argentine champion Candy Ride turned in another sensational work at Hollywood Park Friday that left Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally and exercise rider Paddy Daulton groping for superlatives. Clockers caught the 4-year-old colt in a bullet 1:24 for seven furlongs in his final drill for the $150,000 American Handicap at 1 1/8 miles on turf on the Fourth of July.

"I had him in 1:26, and he galloped out a mile in 1:37 without any effort," said McAnally in awe.

"Unreal!" said Daulton.

Candy Ride won his United States debut impressively here June 7, a $58,000 allowance race by three lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the main track. Candy Ride was purchased privately by Sid and Jenny Craig of Del Mar after winning all three of his 2002 starts in Argentina by a total of 28 lengths.

Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens will ride the colt for the first time in the Grade II American. Other probable starters include the Bobby Frankel-trained duo of Decarchy and Blue Steller, Irish Warrior, Sunday Break and possibly Special Ring.

Doug Wilson, President
EquiVestStable, LLC
www.equiveststable.com