WHISKEY AND RAIN PAINTS SMILES ON FACES OF HER CONNECTIONS IN GRADE 1 OKLAHOMA PAINT AND APPALOOSA FUTURITY
It was all connections on deck working together that put Whiskey and Rain into the winner’s circle for the Grade 1, $203,500 Oklahoma Paint and Appaloosa Futurity at Remington Park on Saturday night.
The 2-year-old Paint filly by CRM Livewire, out of the Real Easy Cash mare Baileys N Sunsets, was qualified for this race by jockey Bryan Candanosa in the trials on March 10. However, it was Francisco Calderon who rode the her in the finals. Calderon said he was out of town the night of the trials, but got the call for the finals. He did give credit where credit was due.
“It was a team effort,” Calderon said. “She left like she can, running. I thought she had this kind of run in her.”
Whiskey and Rain did not win her trial, finishing second by a neck to Muddy Puddles, who she would face again on Saturday night. This time the circumstances turned in her favor. Muddy Puddles could do no better than eighth in the final.
“She had some problems at the gate during the trials,” said Jed Vane, the assistant trainer to Monty Arrossa, who was not on hand. “I knew she had room for improvement.”
They say it takes a village and the rest of the connections included owner Dunn Ranch of Wynnewood, Okla., who was the leading owner at Remington Park for the second year in a row in 2022. It was the first win for the trainer and owner in this stakes race.
Calderon skipped out of the gate with Whiskey and Rain like they were on fire and never let up on this 9-1 filly. She was pressed the entire way by MT Ultima Livewire (9-2) on the rail. They hit the wire together and a neck was the difference.
“She got out in front and just stayed there,” said Calderon. Calderon also rode the winner in this race series in 2021 aboard Smithworks.
Whiskey and Rain paid $20.20 to win, $8 to place and $4.80 to show. She earned $81,830 for the Dunn Ranch, who also bred the filly in Oklahoma. She now has two starts, one win and one second for a total wallet of $83,158.
Js Flying Chicken (20-1) checked in third, another head behind MT Ultima Livewire. The 7-2 post-time favorite, Triple L Express, was dancing at the break and never had a chance, getting out of the gate a full length behind the field, and finished last.
The 2023 Remington Park American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa Season continues Sunday with 11 races scheduled. Post time is 4 p.m.
Tracked by more than 172,000 fans on Facebook and 10,700 Twitter followers, Remington Park has provided more than $316 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District, Remington Park features the 2023 American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa season through June 3. Remington Park presents simulcast racing daily and non-stop casino gaming. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.
-30-