Hit Show Back on Top, Claims Fayette on Closing Day at Keeneland

[Wandering Eyes]

Continuing a fruitful campaign since returning from his elite-level World Cup triumph in Dubai, Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) put his best foot forward once again to take home the GIII Fayette Stakes on closing day of the Keeneland Fall meet.

The grey collected his second win here since returning from Meydan, but had been tasked with taking on some salty company in the contests he didn't claim, too–namely the likes of Breeders' Cup Classic contenders Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) and Mindframe (Constitution) in the GI Stephen Foster back in June. He was victorious in the West Virginia Governor's Stakes two back Aug. 3 and ran an even fourth last out Sept. 27 at Churchill Downs in the GII Lukas Classic Stakes.

Given 7-2 odds as 3-year-old Gosger (Nyquist) was made the 8-5 favorite, he pursued from his customary spot in midpack as the pacesetter rolled along on a largely uncontested early lead in :23.01, :46.66 and six panels in 1:11.31. Steadily improving his position among runners as they swung through the far bend, Hit Show was three off the rail but had the top pair squarely in his sights as he bore down on the battling duo, and relentlessly closed the gap. Overhauling Gosger as that one bravely tried to mount a response inside the final yards, the grey had more than enough left to comfortably hold off the furious rally of Rattle N Roll (Connect) by a length.

“He's all class,” said trainer Brad Cox. “I want to start by thanking the Wathnan [Racing] team and for allowing us to put him where he can win races and get his confidence. He's got it. He ran big in Dubai [winning the G1 Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline Apr. 5] and came back. He's been a great horse all year. I'm just very proud of the horse and his consistency. He always shows up and runs.”

“He really does show up every time.” said Case Clay, racing manager for owner Wathnan Racing. “It wasn't the easiest of trips. He saved ground. [Jockey] Irad [Ortiz Jr.] rode very well on him. I'm just very excited for him to be back here. I wish every horse could be like Hit Show.”

“[He] is a very important horse for Wathnan. Of course, there are others around the world: Lazzat, etc., Fallen Angel. But for him to do what he did in Dubai and come back over here and represent us in America means a lot, so he's a stable favorite for sure.”

 

 

HIT SHOW ($$9.14) ran down the field in the $350,000 Fayette Stakes (G3) at @keenelandracing. The son of Candy Ride was ridden by @iradortiz and trained by @bradcoxracing. pic.twitter.com/InsLSikk6R

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 25, 2025

 

Pedigree Note:

Hit Show is by far the most accomplished runner for his dam Actress (Tapit), who herself was a multiple graded winner during her time on the track. He is one of three to get their picture taken for the mare with only the 3-year-old Blind Faith (Medaglia d'Oro) as the lone placed offspring. That one is also the last registered for Actress as she has not produced any foals in subsequent breedings–most recently missing on a trip to Curlin for this season. She was sent back to Candy Ride (Arg) for 2026.

The second dam is Canadian champion 3-year-old filly Milwaukee Appeal, twice Grade I-placed in her career in the States, and who took home Canada's top prize for sophomore fillies when she won the Woodbine Oaks before finishing second in the last jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown, the Prince of Wales Stakes.

Saturday, Keeneland
HAGYARD FAYETTE S.-GIII, $348,750, Keeneland, 10-25, 3yo/up, 1 1/8m, 1:50.39, ft.
1–HIT SHOW, 126, h, 5, by Candy Ride (Arg)
                1st Dam: Actress (MGSW, $545,150), by Tapit
                2nd Dam: Milwaukee Appeal, by Milwaukee Brew
                3rd Dam: Appealing Forum, by Open Forum
O-Wathnan Racing; B-Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox; J-Irad Ortiz, Jr. $200,725. Lifetime Record: G1SW-UAE, 22-11-1-1, $8,785,183. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Rattle N Roll, 122, h, 6, Connect–Jazz Tune, by Johannesburg. ($55,000 Wlg '19 KEENOV; $210,000 Ylg '20 KEESEP). O-Sharaf Mohamad Alhariri and Lucky Seven Stable; B-St. Simon Place (KY); T-Kenneth G. McPeek. $64,750.
3–Gosger, 118, c, 3, Nyquist–Gloria S, by Tapit. O/B-Harvey A Clarke Racing Stable LLC (KY); T-Brendan P. Walsh. $32,375.
Margins: 1, NK, 2. Odds: 3.57, 13.30, 1.75.
Also Ran: Bracket Buster, Moonlight, Honor Marie, Dragoon Guard, Best Actor, Prince of Power, Dilger (Ire), Lambeth.
Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

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