CSLR Racing Partners, LLC's Crude Velocity (c, 3, Beau Liam–Sweetnsour Kitty, by Lemon Drop Kid) overcame a nightmare journey to become the first 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' for his young sire. One of three entered by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert and overlooked at generous debut odds of 10-1, he was off to a slow start from his rail draw and trailed the field of nine shortly after the break...

CSLR Racing Partners, LLC's Crude Velocity (c, 3, Beau Liam–Sweetnsour Kitty, by Lemon Drop Kid) overcame a nightmare journey to become the first 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' for his young sire. One of three entered by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert and overlooked at generous debut odds of 10-1, he was off to a slow start from his rail draw and trailed the field of nine shortly after the break. He rushed up beneath Florent Geroux and was under a tight hold racing in traffic just behind the leaders in sixth through an opening quarter in :22.23. Forced to steady, he dropped back sharply and was heading the wrong direction around the far turn. Undeterred, Crude Velocity dialed it up again approaching the quarter pole, was tipped out into the clear in the stretch and came powering home to reel in Civil Liberty (Independence Hall) by an improbable neck. Hailing from the first crop of Beau Liam, Crude Velocity was produced by the unraced Lemon Drop Kid mare Sweetnsour Kitty, just a $2,000 purchase by breeder Laciega at the 2022 FTKFEB sale. She is also responsible for a 2-year-old filly by Highly Motivated and a yearling filly by Beau Liam. She was bred to Corniche for 2026.