A powerful stretch run propelled Red Ace to a 6 1/2-length maiden win at Fair Grounds on March 13, giving the 3-year-old son of Northern Afleet his first win in his second lifetime start.

The chestnut colt bumped a rival at the start of the six furlong contest, putting him back in sixth after a quarter mile. He moved up a couple of spots while three wide around the turn, then really began to gain ground in mid-stretch, making up four lengths in less than a furlong. He continued to pour it on after getting the lead, widening the margin as he completed the six panels in an excellent 1:10.29.

Red Ace is owned by John Fort’s Peachtree Stable, who purchased the colt from the 2010 Fasig-Tipton Calder 2-year-old in training sale for $300,000. Taylor Made had previously consigned him to the 2009 Keeneland September yearling sale.

Bred in Canada by James A Everatt, Janeane Everatt & J. Arika Everatt-Meeuse, Red Ace was fourth in his debut on Feb. 19. He has now earned $27,060. Red Ace is one of three winners out of Swiss Courts Cheat, including his half-brother Swiss Lad, who bankrolled nearly $300,000 and won the Cavonnier S. and was third in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity.

Northern Afleet is currently the fifth leading sire in North America. His five stakes winners on the year are a testament to his versatility: they have wins at distances from six to nine furlongs, scoring on both dirt and turf.