by Jeff Apel

Thorn Song set a determined pace, turned back a late bid from 1-to-2 favorite Einstein (Brz), and posted a one-length win in the $213,250 Firecracker Handicap (G2) on Friday at Churchill Downs to remain unbeaten in two career starts on yielding turf.

Zayat Stables’ Thorn Song earned his only previous stakes win in the 2007 River City Handicap (G3), a race that was also run on yielding turf at Churchill.

Thorn Song opened a one-length lead in the Firecracker through a half-mile in :47.50. Positioned in the four wide on the backstretch by jockey Kent Desormeaux, the Unbridled’s Song horse led by a half-length through six furlongs in 1:11.98 and maintained that advantage through early stretch.

Turning back multiple Grade 1 winner Einstein in the closing strides, Thorn Song won the one-mile race in 1:36.69.

Einstein, who entered off a runner-up finish to 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin in the Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) on June 14 at Churchill, edged Steve’s Double by a half-length for third.

Brazilian Group 3 winner Portuga (Brz) dwelt at the start and finished last in a field of five in his North American debut. Inca King and A. P. Xcellent were scratched from the race.

Trained by Dale Romans, Thorn Song entered off a win in a one-mile allowance/optional claiming race on firm turf on June 8 at Churchill. The gray or roan horse previously finished third on April 11 at Keeneland Race Course in the Maker’s Mark Mile Stakes (G1), a race in which Einstein was second.

Thorn Song posted his sixth win in 19 starts and increased his earnings to $517,981. Bred in Kentucky by Pinnacle Racing and Taylor Made Farm, Thorn Song is one of two winners from three starters out of Festal, by Storm Bird.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Jeff Apel is a Thoroughbred Times assistant daily news editor