Golden State Series: Crystal Water Stakes

BY TRACY GANTZ

Just a month after capturing his frst victory in two years, Brandothebartender won his second consecutive stakes. Te California-bred 8-year-old followed his March 21 Sensational Star win with an equally impressive victory in the Crystal Water Stakes.

In neither race did the public accord Brandothebartender favoritism. Te second choice in the Sensational Star at six furlongs on the turf, Brandothebartender went of as the 5-1 third choice among fve in the $100,000 Crystal Water at a mile on the turf.

“He’s kind of found the fountain of youth here at age 8,” said trainer Craig Dollase.

Despite the long time between wins prior to the Sensational Star, Brandothebartender consistently brings home the money for owners Brian Flanagan, Michael Jarvis, and Flawless Racing (Tim Aldrich and Jerry Weseloh). Tey claimed Brandothebartender as a 5-year-old in 2018 for $40,000. Te gelding has now earned $668,364, with eight wins, six seconds, and 15 thirds from 43 starts.

Only Brandothebartender and Desmond Doss, third in the Sensational Star, returned from that race for the Crystal Water. Tey met North County Guy, Acclimate, and Irish Heatwave, each with good turf credentials.

North County Guy, the even-money favorite, was coming of two consecutive turf wins, including the Jan. 16 Unusual Heat Turf Classic Stakes Presented by City National Bank. Acclimate is a former California-bred turf champion, while Irish Heatwave had back class of winning the 2019 Silky Sullivan Stakes on the turf at Golden Gate Fields.

Acclimate set the pace, as he usually does, with jockey Flavien Prat guiding him to fractions of :23.60, :47.58, and 1:11.39. Desmond Doss raced in second while Brandothebartender, who drew the outside post, tucked into the rail in fourth for Umberto Rispoli.

“He’s a nice horse to ride—you can put him wherever you want,” said Rispoli.

North County Guy, who sat in a good stalking position in third, made his bid on the second turn. He grabbed the lead from Acclimate in midstretch, but Rispoli swung Brandothebartender wide and they came fying. Brandothebartender forged ahead late to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:35.04. North County Guy fnished second over Acclimate by a length.

“He’s versatile,” said Rispoli. “You could put him on the street—he can run on the street. I don’t think he’s afraid about anything, and he proves that with the years.”

Dollase complimented Rispoli on keeping Brandothebartender out of trouble and in the clear.

“Tis horse makes my job easy,” said Dollase. “We’re very blessed to have him.”

Dollase paid Brandothebartender a high compliment when he said the gelding reminded him of Awesome Gem. Tat gelding, trained by Dollase, earned nearly $3 million and was a multiple graded winner.

“He doesn’t owe us anything,” said Dollase. “He’s as honest as the day is long.”

John Haagsma and Wesley Ward bred Brandothebartender, a son of Tribal Rule—Frysland, by Stravinsky. Haagsma and Ward also bred Lost Bus, a half sister to Brandothebartender and champion California-bred older female of 2016.

© BENOIT PHOTO

Brandothebartender scores back-to-back turf stakes victories as the 8-year-old Cal-bred takes the Crystal Water at Santa Anita