By DRF.com
ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 13, 2024) — Adding to an already successful 2024 season, Harris Farms homebred On the Whim won his sprint stakes debut in Sunday’s $101,500 California Flag Handicap for Golden State Series eligibles on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita.
On the Whim ($8), a 4-year-old gelding, closed from fourth in a field of eight to win by a half-length over 2-1 Fast Buck.
Ridden by Tiago Pereira, On the Whim was well placed throughout, racing about five lengths behind Fast Buck through an opening quarter-mile in 21.32 seconds and a half-mile in 43.44 seconds.
Pereira moved On the Whim outside in early stretch and steadily closed ground to pass Fast Buck in the final furlong.
“I had no trouble and had position in the stretch,” Pereira said. “The horse responded.”
On the Whim ran about 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:11.54.
Fast Buck held second, finishing a neck ahead of 7-1 None Above the Law, who closed from last to finish third.
So I’m Told finished fourth, followed by Hacking It Up, Johnny Podres, Barely Funtional and Last Call London. Johnny Podres, the 3-2 favorite, closed from last in the final three furlongs to finish 3 3/4 lengths behind On the Whim.
On the Whim, by Acclamation and out of the Maria’s Mon mare Whimsy, has won 4 of 9 starts and earned $236,596 for owner and breeder John Harris. This year, On the Whim has won three races and earned $199,056.
Trained by Dean Pederson, On the Whim won his stakes debut in a 10-1 upset in the California Dreamin’ Stakes for statebreds at 1 1/16 miles on turf at Del Mar on Aug. 3.
On the Whim finished third in an allowance race against open company on Sept. 7 in advance of Sunday’s win.
On the Whim won a maiden race for statebreds at 6 1/2 furlongs on the flat turf course at Santa Anita in his debut last October, and an allowance race for statebreds at a mile on turf on the same course in January.