Holy Candy, the horse part-owned by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, was scratched Saturday morning from the Santa Anita Derby, a few hours before the 75th running of the $750,000 race that serves as a major prep for the Kentucky Derby.
Holy Candy will instead run in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 14.
Brees is one of 12 members of Donkey Island Racing, which owns Holy Candy along with breeder Craig Stables, headed by Jenny Craig.
Alex Solis Jr., who manages Donkey Island Racing, said trainer John Sadler wanted to give Holy Candy an extra week off, plus he likes the horse’s chances at Keeneland better.
Holy Candy has raced only four times, winning once. After finishing second in his first three races, Holy Candy won the fourth race at Santa Anita on March 23.
Holy Candy had been favored in all four of his races. He had been installed as a decent 8-1 choice for the Santa Anita Derby when he was a surprise late entry on Wednesday.
MORE:
Live covearge of the Masters third round
Warren Sapp files for bankruptcy in Florida
Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino suspended for inappropriate relationship
