Santa Rosa: Mr. Candy Bar wins three-way photo in Dupret Derby

Trainer O.J. Jauregui’s longstanding confidence in Mr. Candy Bar paid off Saturday when the 3-year-old colt rallied along the rail in the stretch to capture the $54,130 Robert Dupret Derby at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa.

Mr. Candy Bar ($18.80), a son of Candy Ride, was content to sit between horses while not contesting the pace early in the 1 1/16-mile turf stakes for 3-year-olds.

The Jerry Hollendorfer-trained duo of Cody Peak and favored Life Is a Rock and multiple stakes winner Road Ready engaged in a three-way battle up front as Mr. Candy Bar bided his time early.

Mr. Candy Bar moved into contention as the field turned for home as William Antongeorgi III guided him to the rail. He battled with Cody Peak and Life Is a Rock as Road Ready tired. He kept going along the rail to win the race by a neck over Cody Peak with Life Is a Rock another head back. The winning time was 1:45.21.

“He sat between horses, went to the rail, and gave his best all the way,” said Jauregui. “There were several good horses in there, and the others weren’t giving up. Billy did a good job. He’d never worked him.

“He’s been maturing, and he definitely likes turf.”

Mr. Candy Bar, owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, earned $31,700 for his first stakes victory. He has now earned $60,860 with his second victory in 11 starts.