by Joe Nevills

Grade 2 winner Pyro reestablished his status as one of the elite colts in the three-year-old division as he powered clear in the stretch to win the $190,925 Northern Dancer Stakes (G3) by 1 3/4 lengths on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

The Pulpit colt was rated in third by jockey Shaun Bridgmohan behind dueling pacesetters Texas Wildcatter and My Pal Charlie. Pyro rallied three wide on the final turn and drove clear of the pacesetters with about a furlong to go under steady handling by Bridgmohan. Pyro completed 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.53 on a track rated as fast.

"He was always traveling good down the backside," Bridgmohan said. "He was just nice and relaxed and enjoying himself out there."

Runner-up My Pal Charlie finished 2 ¼ lengths ahead of Grade 3 winner Visionaire. Illinois Derby (G2) winner and 11-to-10 favorite Recapturetheglory was blocked behind traffic in the stretch and finished fourth.

The Northern Dancer was Pyro's first victory since a three-length win in Louisiana Derby (G2) on March 8. He boosted his lifetime earnings to $1,174,063. His previous two starts were unplaced finishes in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) and the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1).

Trainer Steve Asmussen said Pyro likely will be pointed toward the Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park.

"He's definitely going to go further than this," Asmussen said. "And I think that he's not going to have any trouble doing so."

Winchell Thoroughbreds' Pyro is out of the winning Wild Again mare Wild Vision, a full sister to Grade 2 winner and sire Wild Wonder.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Joe Nevills is an editorial intern for Thoroughbred Times