Taj Mahal (Nyquist) led them every step of the way while making his two-turn debut to romp in the $150,000 Federico Tesio S. at Laurel Park, a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the GI Preakness Stakes.
The 6-5 favorite cleared the field of 10 from his outside draw and it was pretty much over from there. He was well clear through fractions of :23.93 and :47.80. The advantage shrunk to about a length on the far turn, but he had another gear. The $525,000 Keeneland September yearling opened up again and dropped the hammer in the stretch to win by 8 1/4 lengths.
Taj Mahal, a debut winner sprinting at Laurel Feb. 6, was a game winner of the one-turn mile Miracle Wood S. in the mud here Feb. 21.