Victory Drink of the Month: Belle Vodka’s Belle of the Bar, the ideal winner’s circle cocktail!

The Race: Sham Stakes

The Venue: Santa Anita Park

The Date: Jan. 5, 2018

The Winner: Gunmetal Gray

The Toast: To the kickoff race for the most important regional circuit on the Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve this decade. In four of the past seven years, the Derby winner has come out of Santa Anita Park’s series of preps, including last year’s winner – the sport’s 13^th Triple Crown winner – Justify. The Sham serves as the first prep race at Santa Anita, and Jerry Hollendorfer-trained Gunmetal Gray joined the list of top 2019 Derby contenders with a last-to-first rallying win (WATCH REPLAY).

After the Race: The perfect social drink for celebrating with friends after work this winter – or better yet, at a lavish awards ceremony and a mega-day of racing and entertainment at a premier Sunshine State venue (see below).

What’s Next: All eyes of the racing world will be focused on south Florida as January draws to an end. The 72-hour whirlwind begins Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park’s Sport of Kings Theater with the 48^th annual Eclipse Awards, honoring the best of Thoroughbred racing for 2018. And on Jan. 26, Gulfstream Park will host the third annual Pegasus World Cup Invitational day of racing, highlighted by the $9 million World Cup – a race that is expected to be the career finale for Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Accelerate. Racing is the centerpiece of a full entertainment roster during Pegasus day at the Hallandale Beach track, including musical performances by Snoop Dogg and Mark Ronson.

The Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces of Belle Vodka
• 0.5 ounces Grand Marnier
• Splash of Cranberry Juice and Lime Juice

How to Make It:

• Serve in a martini glass and garnish with a slice of lime