Hit Show Shines Again at Keeneland, Adding Another Graded Win for Candy Ride
- Turf Diario
- 3h
- 2 min read
The reigning Dubai World Cup (G1) winner captured the Fayette Stakes (G3) on the closing day of the Keeneland Fall Meet
LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).- Wathnan Racing once again enjoyed the brilliance and strength of Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}), who reaffirmed his class with a commanding repeat victory in the Hagyard Fayette Stakes (G3), the feature event on Keeneland’s Fall Meet closing day.
With Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons for trainer Brad Cox, the 5-year-old gray proved his elite quality once more, defeating Rattle N Roll (Connect) by a length after surging past Dragoon Guard (Arrogate) in the stretch. The son of Candy Ride covered the nine furlongs over a fast track in 1:50.39, delivering a performance of authority and control from start to finish.
“He loves this mile and an eighth,” Ortiz said. “He was ready to run—Brad had him perfect. I just followed instructions: keep him within range and wait for the right moment. From there, everything set up perfectly. All the credit goes to the horse; he’s such a classy individual and he proved it again today.”
A Dubai World Cup (G1) hero in April—where he captured the $12-million feature in spectacular fashion—Hit Shownow boosts his earnings to $8,785,183, with 11 wins from 22 starts. Bred in Kentucky by Gary and Mary West, he is out of Actress (Tapit), from the powerful Argentine sire Candy Ride.
“He’s all class,” Cox said, who wrapped up the Keeneland meet as leading trainer with 12 victories. “First off, I want to thank Wathnan Racing for their trust and for allowing us to place him in the right spots to build and maintain his confidence. He’s so consistent—he shows up every time. What he did in Dubai was incredible, and he’s come back just as strong. I’m really proud of his professionalism.”
Representing the ownership group, Case Clay, racing manager for Wathnan Racing, added:
“He always gives everything he’s got. The trip wasn’t the easiest, but Irad rode him perfectly. We’re thrilled to have him back here. You wish every horse were like Hit Show—he’s truly special. He’s won in Dubai, returned to the U.S., and keeps flying the flag for Wathnan Racing. He’s one of our barn favorites, no doubt.”
Gosger (Nyquist), who had been prominent in several major races this season—including a runner-up finish to Journalism (Curlin) in the Preakness Stakes (G1)—checked in third, 1 1/4 lengths behind the winner.
With victories now spanning two continents, Hit Show closes another brilliant campaign, confirming his place among the top older horses in training. Consistent, powerful, and bearing the unmistakable mark of Candy Ride, he has earned his spot among the most accomplished distance performers of his generation.
