Sonoma Crush kicked off his racing career in fine fashion Saturday at Fair Grounds, winning a six-furlong maiden special weight contest by 1 ¼-lengths in a quick 1:10.38 over the fast main track (VIDEO).

Bred in Florida by Ocala Stud and Edward Weist, the bay colt was a $220,000 buy for his owners Stonestreet Stables and George Bolton at the 2015 OBS Horses of Racing Age sale. The colt is a half-brother to the stakes-winner B C’s Train and stakes-placed Schivarelli.

With 14 winners to date this year, High Cotton ranks second on the Florida Leading Sire list.