Thorn Song denied Einstein in the Firecracker (Ed Van Meter/Horsephotos.com)

The Dale Romans-trained THORN SONG (Unbridled's Song) has a penchant for pulling upsets on rain-softened turf at Churchill Downs. Last November, the gray surprised even-money choice Cosmonaut (Lemon Drop Kid) in the River City H. (G3), and in Friday's $213,250 Firecracker H. (G2), he spoiled the July 4 party for 1-2 favorite Einstein (Brz) (Spend a Buck). In the process, Thorn Song capped a banner day for Zayat Stables, whose J Be K (Silver Deputy) romped in the Jersey Shore S. (G3) at Monmouth just about an hour before.

With the scratch of probable pace factors Inca King (Sir Cat) and A.P. Xcellent (A.P. Indy), Thorn Song went straight to the early lead beneath Kent Desormeaux and rattled off fractions of :23 3/5, :47 2/5 and 1:11 4/5. Faith's Magic (Langfuhr), Steve's Double (Stephen Got Even) and Einstein formed a tightly knit group of stalkers, while Portuga (Brz) (Vettori) was light years away in fifth after standing still as a statue when the gate opened.

Turning for home, Thorn Song floated a bit wide, and Einstein momentarily appeared to have room to rally along the inside. The pacesetter quickly closed the door, however, and Einstein had to angle out for a clear path. Thorn Song, all heart on the front end, stayed on stoutly to record a one-length decision in a final time of 1:36 3/5 for the mile on yielding turf. Dispatched as the clear second choice at 9-5, the winner returned $5.60 and $2.20 while spearheading the $7.60 exacta, $33.20 trifecta and $57.20 superfecta (2-3-6-4). Einstein closed mildly to grab second by a half-length, giving back $2.10 after show wagering was canceled. Steve's Double checked in third, followed by Faith's Magic and the tardy Portuga.

Thorn Song now sports a mark of 19-6-4-3, $517,981. In addition to his two Churchill stakes trophies, the five-year-old has also placed in the Maker's Mark Mile S. (G1) and Knickerbocker H. (G3). He was coming off an allowance/optional claiming score over the course.