Husbands-Casse combo stays hot as Candy Overload takes Thorncliffe

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Candy Overload gave the hot combo of jockey Patrick Husbands and trainer Mark Casse another Woodbine stakes score on Sunday in the $114,600 Thorncliffe, an overnight event with a quality field.

Candy Overload ($7) raced about five lengths off the lead in fifth as Jazz Hands set a lively pace in the 5 1/2-furlong dash, with Rockcrest stalking in second.

Husbands angled Candy Overload between the leaders entering the stretch and they hit the front at the eighth pole around the same time as favored Flag of Honour. Candy Overload dug in through the final sixteenth and prevailed by a half-length over Flag of Honour, in a time of 1:03.54.

Ironstone rallied inside for third after a tardy start. He was followed by Jazz Hands, Armstrong, Sky’s Not Falling, Rockcrest and Biz Biz Buzz.

:: Get the Inside Track with the FREE DRF Morning Line Email Newsletter. Subscribe now.

“He’s all class,” Husbands said. “He fooled me last week. When I breezed him, I think he went in about 1:04. He didn’t want to gallop out. On race day, he comes and gives you 110 (percent). I was a little scared of (Flag Of Honour), but my horse broke sharp and sat behind the speed. He split horses at the top of the lane and got the job done like a pro.”

A gelded son of Ontario sire Reload and a Candy Ride mare, Candy Overload earned $72,000 for the partnership of Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable and Pantofel Stable.

Husbands and Casse also combined to win Saturday's Grade 3 Whimsical with Play the Music and the April 28 Woodstock with Midnight Mascot.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.