Rock Candy has been a force since coming to Saratoga Casino Hotel in late summer, and now he has an Open Pace victory to his credit.
Zach Vickerson owns and trains the eight-year-old pacer, who has followed up a 2023 season in which he was lightly raced with a big campaign in 2024.
Upon coming to the Spa in September, Rock Candy enjoyed immediate success. Following a third-place finish in his Spa debut, the veteran pacer has gone on a tear finishing first or second in every one of his starts since mid-September and has climbed the class ranks throughout the process. Jumping up from the $12,500 claimers all the way through the $25,000 claimers, Rock Candy made his debut in the Open Pace on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Bet down as the 2-1 favourite in the $21,127 feature on Saturday, Rock Candy got away fifth in the seven-horse Open. Driver Jay Randall picked up cover with the veteran pacer as they followed up first-over rival Primo Uomo (Jimmy Devaux) who cleared the lead past three-quarters in 1:26. Primo Uomo clung to a length lead at the top of the stretch but proved to be no match late for Rock Candy, who came on to win in 1:54.3 on a cold late November night. Last week’s Open winner, Pirate Hanover (Aaron Byron), closed from last to finish second while Primo Uomo earned the show spot.
Rock Candy paid $6 to win in what was his eighth victory of the year. The son of Pet Rock-Cotton Candy has now finished first or second in nine consecutive starts culminating with the Saturday feature score, lifting his career earnings to $714,680.
Live harness racing continues on Sunday, Dec. 1 with a matinee that begins at 12 p.m. There is a carryover of $2,471 in the Pick 5, which begins in the afternoon’s first race.
(with files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)