In the 7th race at Churchill Downs on June 19, Pure Force, a three-year-old colt by Constitution out of Mexican Gold, continued his promising start to his racing career with a commanding victory. The race, an Allowance Optional Claiming event for horses who have not won two races (NW1X), featured Pure Force facing a competitive field.
Pure Force had previously debuted impressively in the Derby Day opener over a muddy track, showing some greenness but still managing a 2 1/4-length win. This performance made him a strong contender for the first-level allowance race, although he faced tough competition from Discreet Mischief, a 'TDN Rising Star' who had shown promise in previous outings.
Under jockey Axel Concepcion, Pure Force broke well from the widest post position in a field of seven. He set an easy pace up front, covering the opening quarter mile in a comfortable :23.38. Gradually increasing the tempo, Pure Force maintained control throughout the race. By the time they reached the eighth pole, his lead had extended to three lengths.
Pure Force continued to assert his dominance down the stretch, crossing the finish line with a five-length advantage over his nearest rival, Discreet Mischief, who made a late charge to secure second place.
Pure Force's dam, Mexican Gold, was a talented racehorse in her own right, winning the Group 3 Prix de la Grotte and finishing third in the prestigious Group 1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French 1000 Guineas). Trained by Andre Fabre, Mexican Gold also achieved success in the United States, including a victory in the Saratoga allowance race and placings in graded stakes races.
Mexican Gold, by Medaglia d'Oro, has proven to be a productive broodmare, with Pure Force being her second winner from as many starters. She is also the dam of Global Asset (by Street Sense), a two-year-old half-brother to Pure Force, and has a Tapit filly born in February.
Pure Force's pedigree boasts a strong lineage that includes G1 winner Announce (GB) and influential sires such as Zafonic and Zamindar. With his latest victory, Pure Force now holds a perfect record of two wins from two starts, accumulating earnings of $141,960.
This performance marks Pure Force as a promising young talent in the racing world, underlining his potential for future success in stakes competition.