Mexican Gold

Juddmonte's Touch of Fire (Constitution) tracked an easy pace on Fair Grounds debut Jan. 8 and kicked into high gear in the lane, putting some seven lengths on his rivals to earn 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard status. Accordingly sent off the 2-5 favorite for the Feb. 28 Black Gold Stakes in New Orleans, the homebred had things his own way on the lead, but could not quite see it out and settled for second to the promising Black Hornet (Essential Quality). Back into allowance company here as the...

3rd-KEE, $120K, ALW/N1X, 3yo, 1 1/16mT, 2:04 p.m. ET. 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', and Triple Crown nominee TOUCH OF FIRE (Constitution) comes to Keeneland to contest an allowance race over the Haggin Turf Course. The Juddmonte homebred cleared by seven lengths on debut at Fair Grounds in early January, which earned the colt a commendation from this publication for his effort. After finishing as the runner-up in the Black Gold Stakes in New Orleans in late February, the Brad Cox trainee is tabbed as the 9-5 morning line...

Juddmonte's Touch of Fire (Constitution) ran off to a convincing seven-length score to become his sire's newest TDN Rising Star, sponsored by Hagyard, in his career debut at the Fair Grounds on Thursday. The 4-1 chance broke from the outside and eased up into a forward stalking position as Robert Lee (Omaha Beach) led through initial fractions of :23.40 and :49.08. Starting to put the screws to that rival entering the home stretch, the Juddmonte homebred drew off late to score by seven lengths over the early leader. The winner's...

7th-Churchill Downs, $124,570, Alw (NW1X), Opt. Clm ($100,000), 6-19, 3yo, 7f, 1:21.65, ft, 5 lengths. PURE FORCE (c, 3, Constitution--Mexican Gold {GSW & G1SP-Fr, GSP-US, $234,810}, by Medaglia d'Oro) debuted in the Derby Day opener going 6 1/2 furlongs over a muddy strip and raced a bit greenly through the closing stages, but stamped his authority over seven rivals with a 2 1/4-length victory. That effort would otherwise have made him strictly the one to beat in a first-level allowance, but the presence of 'TDN Rising Star' Discreet Mischief (Into...