Parx: Adirondack King, Pink Candy connect as logical choices in South Carolina-restricted stakes

Adirondack King justified his status as the 1-10 favorite by cruising to a six-length victory in the Christopher Elser Memorial, one of two $75,000 stakes on Sunday’s card at Parx Racing restricted to 2-year-olds who had spent at least 90 days in South Carolina.

A well-bred colt by Lawyer Ron out of the Grade 1 winner Jostle, Adirondack King ($2.20) pressed early pace in third through the opening quarter-mile in 22.43 seconds, then quickly moved to the lead along the rail under Stewart Elliott. Adirondack King was just a head in front after a half in 45.71 seconds, but shook clear early in the stretch and was ridden out to complete 6 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:17.95.

It was the third straight win for Adirondack King, who is trained by John Servis for Marchfore Thoroughbreds. Servis also trained Jostle, whose 8-for-20 career record included wins in the Grade 1 Alabama and Coaching Club American Oaks in 2000.

Varborough, stepping up in class following a win for a $25,000 claiming tag at Laurel Park, finished second, 2 1/4 lengths clear of recent maiden winner Race to the Top.

In the co-featured Donna Freyer for 2-year-old fillies, Pink Candy ($5.20), the only horse in a field of six with more than a maiden victory to her credit, drew off to a 2 3/4-length win under Eriluis Vaz.

Pink Candy, now 3 for 6 lifetime, ran 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:19.00. Trained by Phil Aristone for Indian Mills Stock Farm, Pink Candy came into the race off a narrow victory in a nonwinners-of-two-lifetime allowance.

Lead Me On, sent off as the 4-5 favorite on the basis of her 2 ½-length score over open maiden special weight company at Belmont Park, was easily second, 4 1/4 lengths ahead of the maiden Suivez Moi.