Liaison scored a sentimental win for trainer Bob Baffert in the G1 CashCall Futurity at Hollywood Park on Saturday.

It was Baffert’s sixth success in the Futurity and came just 48 hours after Liaison’s sire Indian Charlie was put down in Kentucky.

Liaison (2c Indian Charlie – Galloping Gal by Victory Gallop) outlasted a cavalry charge of closers to claim the $750,000 juvenile feature.  “It’s only fitting for Indian Charlie,” Baffert said.  “This horse has really been climbing up the ladder and improving every race.”

Baffert’s previous winners were Real Quiet (1997), Captain Steve (1999), Point Given (2000), Pioneerof the Nile (2008) and Lookin At Lucky (2009.  “When you win this race you start thinking about the Kentucky Derby,” he added.  “All my other Futurity winners went on to be good horses so I hope this one does, too.”

Liaison was a $290,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase for Arnold Zetcher.  The owner also races 2011 Santa Anita Derby winner Midnight Interlude (War Chant) with Baffert.

Liaison was placed at Del Mar on debut in September before breaking his maiden at Santa Anita in October.  He stepped up to win the Listed Real Quiet Stakes at Hollywood on November 12 before completing a hat-trick in the Futurity.

Indian Charlie got him from Victory Gallop mare Galloping Gal who was a Listed winner of the Edgewood Stakes at Churchill Downs.