Candy My Boy turns out to be sweet surprise

NEW ORLEANS – Candy My Boy, a 3-year-old colt who routed first-level optional-claiming rivals Monday for his second consecutive victory, is being pointed to the Grade 2 Risen Star on Feb. 20, trainer Roger Brueggemann said Thursday.

“It seems like he’s getting better all the time,’’ Brueggemann said.

Candy My Boy lost twice in maiden-claiming company before coming to Fair Grounds. He finished second against $15,000 maidens at Indiana Grand in his second start, then finished second against $30,000 maidens at Churchill Downs.

In a maiden special weight race here at a mile and 70 yards on Dec. 31, Candy My Boy led all the way at 16-1 odds to win by 2 1/4 lengths. He made another step up in class Monday, and his performance was similar – a front-running win by 2 3/4 lengths at 10-1 odds. He ran a mile in 1:38.67.

“You never know what you have until you start working with them and developing them,’’ said Gerilyn Brueggemann, the trainer’s wife and assistant.

Roger Brueggemann said that another trip to California is possible for The Pizza Man, who hasn’t raced since closing his 2015 season with a victory in the Grade 2 Hollywood Turf Cup on Nov. 26 at Del Mar.

Brueggemann said the Grade 2, $200,000 San Marcos, a 1 1/4-mile turf race Feb. 6, is a possible first race this year for The Pizza Man. The gelding was scheduled to work Saturday.

◗ Trainer Neil Howard said he’s planning to run Louisiana Stakes runner-up Eagle next in the Grade 3 Mineshaft Handicap on Feb. 20.