Candy Spots (April 14, 1960 – March 21, 1976) was an AmericanThoroughbred racehorse.

Candy Spots was foaled inCalifornia and was named for the unusual white and black markings, similar toBend Or spots, that speckled his chestnut hair on his hind legs and rump.^[1] He was sired by theArgentine-bred stallion Nigromante, who was brought to California byRex Ellsworth in 1957.

Candy Spots was one of the best American juveniles of his generation, winning theArlington-Washington Futurity Stakes among his 3 for 3 record at 2. Candy Spots was undefeated in starts going into the Kentucky Derby.

Candy Spots is best known for winning the 1963Preakness Stakes and for coming in a close second and third, respectively, in theBelmont Stakes andKentucky Derby to his rivalChateaugay.

His other wins in 1963 included theJersey Derby,Florida Derby,Santa Anita Derby,American Derby andArlington Classic.

Unraced at 4, then later in his career in 1965, he won theSan Pasqual Handicap.

Candy Spots was retired to stud in 1965, but he produced few stakes winners. His only offspring of note were 1973Santa Susana Stakes winner Belle Marie, who was also the dam of 1982American Champion Older Male HorseLemhi Gold. Through his daughter Candy's Best, Candy Spots was also grandsire toCandy Éclair.

Candy Spots died inLexington, Kentucky in March 1976 at the breeding shed of Warren B. Terry'sDomino Stud of a rupturedrenal artery.^[2][3] Candy Spots was the last direct male line descendant ofRock Sand to win anAmerican Classic Race.^[1]

• 1960 racehorse births
• 1976 racehorse deaths
• Racehorses bred in California
• Racehorses trained in the United States
• Preakness Stakes winners
• Thoroughbred family 2-e

• Articles with short description
• Short description matches Wikidata