Touch of the Blues leader of pack

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Touch of the Blues emerged from a pack of horses in the final yards to post a 12-1 upset Friday in the $200,000 Maker's Mark Mile at Keeneland.

Bred and owned by Gainsborough Farm and trained by Neil Drysdale, Touch of the Blues prevailed by three-quarters of a length over Pisces, an 18-1 shot. Kent Desormeaux was aboard for the victory, marking the second straight day he won the Keeneland feature.

Touch of the Blues had been winless in five United States starts, all in California. Reserved well off the early pace, he charged through a tight spot at the eighth pole before angling out. Boastful, an 8-1 shot, finished third, another neck back, while Thady Quill, the 8-5 favorite in a field of 10 older turf horses, was never a serious factor and finished fifth.

"He really, really poured it on when he found room," said Desormeaux of Touch of the Blues. "Class prevailed. He's a very talented horse."

Before a crowd of 15,221, Honorable Pic set the early pace in the 14th running of the Maker's Mark, which was run over firm turf. Into the far turn, Where's Taylor took over, followed closely by Even the Score and Quiet Resolve. Then most of the pack closed in. Less than four lengths separated the top eight finishers.

Touch of the Blues, a 5-year-old French-bred by Cadeaux Genereux, returned $27.60 after finishing in 1:35.02. He could make his next start in the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic on the May 4 Kentucky Derby day undercard.

Touch of the Blues capped a pick 6 that returned $14,176.

Robby Albarado, who rode Quiet Resolve, had four winners on the card.