American Handicap Could Be a Sweet Success for McAnally

Trainer Ron McAnally has had a lot of success with runners from South America.

In addition to Eclipse award winners Bayakoa and Paseana, ot the highly regarded runners began their careers in Argentina or Chile.

McAnally has another potential star from South America on his hands in Candy Ride, who will make his U.S. stakes debut in today’s $150,000 American Handicap at Hollywood Park. Because of the holiday, post time is 1:20 p.m.

Owned by Sid and Jenny Craig, the 4-year-old son of Ride The Rails has won all four of his races, including a three-length victory June 7 in his first start in this country.

His last victory was on the main track, but he’s moving to the turf for the American, a Grade II at 1 1/8 miles. So far, Candy Ride has been even better on the grass than on dirt. His two victories on the lawn in his native Argentina were by eight lengths.

On paper, the American looks to be a match race between Candy Ride, who will be ridden by Gary Stevens, and Special Ring.

Trained by Julio Canani for Prestonwood Farm, Special Ring was second, beaten by less than a length, to Redattore in the Shoemaker Breeders’ Cup Mile in his first start of 2003 on May 26. He is the one to catch under jockey David Flores. Irish Warrior, Sunday Break, Ninebanks, Tijyr and Californian complete the field.

Race of the day: Alpenwald, a 6 1/2-length maiden winner in her most recent start for owner Heinz Steinmann and trainer Mike Harrington, is among six 2-year-olds scheduled to go six furlongs in the $100,000 Landaluce, the first of the day’s stakes races at Hollywood Park.

One for the road: Sweet Jo Jo looked good breaking her maiden in her debut at Lone Star Park for trainer Steve Asmussen and adds Lasix in her first stakes appearance in today’s $100,000 Debutante at Churchill Downs. Lonnie Meche will get the ride.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Platinum Princess, Wacky Patty and Silver Hawk Lady in the fourth, singling Tizawinner in the fifth and Mi Quick, Mr. Reed and Mythical Flyer in the sixth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/140. Money: Previous day/meet total: $11.40/$747. Total money bet: $892.