Patriot Spirit reaffirmed his fondness for Colonial Downs on Saturday, dominating the $100,000 Reigh Count Stakes to remain undefeated in three career starts over the track.

Making his first trip to the winner’s circle since last September, also at Colonial, the 4-year-old son of Constitution pressed Celtic Contender early before shrugging that rival off. He surged clear by the three-eighths and never looked back, cruising to a four-length score under a hand ride from jockey Mychel Sanchez.

Trained by Michael Campbell for Mellon Patch, Inc., Patriot Spirit completed the seven furlongs in 1:21.01 over a fast track.

A $235,000 yearling purchase, Patriot Spirit added to an already impressive résumé that includes a win in the 2024 Illinois Derby and a game runner-up finish to graded stakes winner Liberal Arts in the Knicks Go at Churchill Downs last out. Saturday’s victory pushed his career tally to 5 wins from 14 starts and over $420,000 in earnings.

Third choice Inveigled rallied belatedly to grab the place spot, while Celtic Contender, part of the early pace, settled for third. Bouncer, Worcester, Kavod, O’Conner Sunset, and My Handsome Man rounded out the field behind the winner, who was bet down to 4-5 favoritism and returned $3.60 to win.

“I’ve been working him in the mornings, and he did better than what I expected from him,” Sanchez said. “I think he stepped forward today. He put away those horses like nothing. I was going to try to set up behind the leaders, but he was so much the best today that he went to the lead, ran huge down the stretch, and had so much left past the wire.”

Patriot Spirit’s combination of tactical speed and finishing power continues to serve him well at Colonial, where he clearly thrives. After Saturday’s effortless display, he may be poised to swim in deeper waters once again.