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

The Race: Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby

The Venue: Tampa Bay Downs

The Date: March 9

The Winner: Tacitus

The Toast: Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott entered March with arguably the most promising Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve contender aside from Bob Baffert’s top twosome of Game Winner and Improbable in the ultra-fast maiden winner Hidden Scroll. That colt disappointed in the March 2 Xpressbet Fountain of Youth Stakes … but one week later, Mott entered the discussion once again with Tampa Bay Derby upset winner Tacitus. The supremely-bred son of Tapit rallied late to post a stakes-record win in the Tampa Bay Derby and gives Mott another live contender in his barn along with Hidden Scroll and Country House to keep tabs on in the coming weeks. Watch a replay and read the recap of the Tampa Bay Derby here.

After the Race: March means spring. And spring means Kentucky Derby prep races (see above and below) at venues where the excitement is percolating and the renewal of the seasonal cycle is in full swing. There’s no better way to celebrate than imbibing a Rebel Belle!

What’s Next: What else could it be than the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park on March 16? This lucrative Derby prep served as a launch pad of sorts for American Pharoah’s run to the 2015 Triple Crown, and it’s held at without question one of the finest racetracks in the land where the infield is a gorgeous springtime setting for picnic-style festivities and mingling. Cheer on your favorite horse, and if you're staying in Hot Springs for Rebel weekend, check out the bounteous St. Patrick's Day activities scheduled for the weekend!

The Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces of Belle Vodka
• Equal parts (0.25 ounces) Dark Rum and Triple Sec
• Splash of soda, grenadine, and Red Bull

How to Make It:

• Mix all, shake, and enjoy!