Sidney's Candy makes turf debut in La Jolla

Sidney's Candy established himself as a top contender for the Kentucky Derby

(G1) when reeling off convincing wins in Santa Anita Derby (G1), San Felipe (G2)

and San Vicente (G2) earlier this season, but the chestnut earned a

vacation following his disappointing 17th-place effort over the sloppy track at

Churchill Downs. The front runner missed by a head when returning off a 2

1/2-month rest in the July 17 Swaps, and he'll look to regain his winning ways

under new jockey Joel Rosario, who replaces an injured Joe Talamo.

Affirmed H. (G3) winner GOLDEN ITIZ (Tiznow), who will be making his turf

bow, is a major contender. A maiden scorer on March 20, the Ron McAnally runner

knocked off subsequent Swaps winner Skipshot (Skip Away) last time and will

bring a three-race winning skein into the La Jolla. He picks up the services of

Patrick Valenzuela, who takes over for a sidelined Tyler Baze.