Candy Ride (foaled September 27, 1999 in Argentina) is a retired Thoroughbred racehorse who went undefeated in six starts on both turf and dirt racing surfaces in Argentina and the United States. In Argentina, he won the Gran Premio San Isidro and the Joaquin S. de Anchorena, setting a world record of 1:31.01 for 1,600 meters on the turf in the latter. He was named Argentina's Champion Miler of 2002. Relocated to the United States in 2003, he won the American Handicap and set a track record in the Pacific Classic Stakes. Retired to stud in Kentucky, he developed into a top 10 sire whose notable offspring include American Horse of the Year Gun Runner. Background Candy Ride is a bay stallion standing high who was bred in Argentina by Haras Abolengo. He was sired by American-bred Ride The Rails, who raced in the United States and stood at stud in Argentina. His grandsire is American multiple Grade I winner Cryptoclearance, who was a grandson of Mr. Prospector. Candy Ride is out of the mare Candy Girl, a daughter of Candy Stripes, who also sired 2005 American Champion Male Turf Horse Leroidesanimaux and 2006 American Horse of the Year Invasor. Candy Girl is from a strong female family that produced multiple stakes winners in South America. As a yearling, Candy Ride was privately sold for the equivalent of about $12,000 to Gumercindo Alonzo. Racing record 2002: in Argentina Candy Ride did not officially race at age two. However, he made several starts over sprint distances as short as two furlongs in what is referred to as "country racing" in Argentina. His record in these unofficial races is unknown, but helped establish his reputation. He went off as the favorite in his first official start at the Hipodromo Argentino on August 9, 2002 in a maiden race over 1,200 meters (roughly 6 furlongs) on the dirt. After tracking the early leader, he took the lead halfway through the race and continued to draw away to win by twelve lengths. For his next start on October 12, Candy Ride was stepped up to the Group One level in the Gran Premio San Isidro at a distance of 1,600 meters (roughly one mile) on the turf. Going off at odds of 4-1 in a field of 11, he rated in fourth place then went to the lead with furlongs remaining. He drew clear