Vodka Vodka Dominates Unusual Heat Turf Classic, Trainer Eyes Grade 1s

Vodka Vodka, by Stay Thirsty, stamped herself as a rising force in the Southern California turf division with a decisive victory in the Unusual Heat Turf Classic at Santa Anita. The 1 1/8-mile score on Jan. 17 marked the mare's first stakes victory and did so in convincing fashion, a milestone that resets expectations for her connections and reshapes early season Grade 1 conversations.

Trainer Aggie Ordonez, encouraged by how Vodka Vodka came out of the race, signaled plans to pursue higher-profile targets later in the spring. Ordonez indicated that both Vodka Vodka and her stakes-winning stablemate Om N Joy are candidates for Grade 1 opportunities, with possible targets including the Santa Anita Handicap and the Beholder Mile on March 7. Those aims suggest the stable will transition from regional stakes company to national Grade 1 company, testing its horses against the deepest older divisions in California.

From a performance standpoint, the result matters beyond a check in the win column. A first stakes victory at Santa Anita provides tangible proof of progression for a horse by Stay Thirsty, boosting the mare's on-track résumé and long-term value. For bettors and racing fans, Vodka Vodka’s convincing stakes success offers a clearer handicap line for future entries, and it will influence wagering pools when she appears in graded company.

Industry implications extend to stable management and marketing. Moving from stakes to Grade 1 targets typically increases purse potential, media exposure, and breeding valuation for a mare. Owners can justify taking on Grade 1 company when a filly or mare demonstrates both durability and an ability to handle Santa Anita’s turf demands. For Ordonez and the barn, a successful step up would validate training methods and placement strategy at a time when West Coast turf divisions are seeking new stars.

Culturally, Vodka Vodka’s advance underscores the continuing vitality of female turf competition and the pathways owners and trainers use to elevate horses from allowance levels into graded stakes. Her progress will be followed closely by handicappers and by connections scouting the spring marquee cards. The presence of Om N Joy on the same path adds storyline appeal for the stable and for fans who follow barn-based campaigns.

Looking ahead, Vodka Vodka’s connections face decisions about timing and spot selection as they weigh Grade 1 opportunities against the need to maintain momentum. If she handles the step up, her emergence could rearrange early-season pecking orders and provide a compelling target for bettors and promoters alike.