TDN RISING STARS

March 24, 2018 - Santa Anita, Race 2, Msw, USD $54,000, 7F, .0000

Once On Whiskey, c, 3, 2015 by Bodemeister

1st Dam: Crespano (SP, $216,680), by Mineshaft
2nd Dam: Code of Ethics, by Honour and Glory
3rd Dam: Smuggle, by Lord Avie

Owner: Karl Watson, Michael E. Pegram & Paul Weitman
Breeder: Gabriel Duignan & Crosshaven Bloodstock (KY)
Trainer: Bob Baffert

Pegram, Watson and Weitman’s Once on Whiskey (Bodemeister) caught the eye when he flew home for second behind stablemate Curly’s Rocket (Into Mischief) and galloped out far in front first out going a furlong shorter at Santa Anita Feb. 3. Further flattered when the third finisher from that heat Core Beliefs (Quality Road) returned to win well on the stretch-out while earning an 88 Beyer Speed Figure, the $150,000 KEESEP acquisition was backed down to 7-10 favoritism in Arcadia Saturday and didn’t disappoint en route to garnering ‘TDN Rising Star’ honors. Away slowly like he was first out, the dark bay caught up with the rest of the field as they reached the turn. He was up into second hitting the quarter pole, and came very wide into the lane as Paddock Pick (Graydar) took over. That one dug in as best he could, but Once On Whiskey had more to give and strode out a 2 3/4-length winner in 1:22.92. Once On Whiskey is the first foal out of Crespano (Mineshaft), who was third in a Belmont restricted stakes race going seven panels in 2013. Crespano, a daughter of stakes winner Code of Ethics (Honour and Glory), has a yearling filly by The Factor and most recently visited Not This Time.