Walmart Mugo Rescue

Hi,

This is an end of season sale purchase from Walmart (it just feels wrong saying that, lol).  I'm 1 year new to bonsai and this is my first mugo. I've read Vance's and Hans' articles on mugo care to give me a general idea of where to start. I repotted this mugo yesterday. Many of the candles and much of the new growth are covered in sap. As a result many of the candles were blackened and dead. I'm wondering if it's best to pick off the dead candles and try to clean up the tips, or cut back just behind the candle to promote back budding?

Hm.. I would prune away all the dead parts, allowing air and light in the tree.