Once On Whiskey possible for West Virginia Derby

CYPRESS, Calif. - Once On Whiskey won his stakes debut in the Grade 3 Los Alamitos Derby on Saturday, and trainer Bob Baffert is considering sending the late-developing colt cross country for the Grade 3 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Park on Aug. 4. Like the Los Alamitos Derby, the $500,000 West Virginia Derby is at 1 1/8 miles.

“We could take a shot in the West Virginia Derby,” Baffert said. “I think distance-wise, he should handle it. He wasn’t that tired.”

Utilizing a late kick, Once On Whiskey rallied to catch Draft Pick and win the $150,000 Los Alamitos Derby by a head. Once On Whiskey started around two turns for the first time in the Los Alamitos Derby. Ridden by Flavien Prat, Once On Whiskey closed from last in a field of five, taking advantage of the Los Alamitos stretch, which is more than a quarter-mile in length.

“If he can handle that stretch, he can go a lot farther,” Baffert said.

Once On Whiskey, by Bodemeister, races for Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman. The Los Alamitos Derby was Once On Whiskey’s fourth start.

Purchased for $150,000 at the 2016 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Once on Whiskey won a seven-furlong maiden race in his second start at Santa Anita on March 24 and was third in an allowance race with a $75,000 claiming option at seven furlongs at Churchill Downs on May 5.

Once On Whiskey has won 2 of 4 starts and has earned $140,300.