The talented 3-year-old colts by Afleet Alex just keep making their presence felt. This time, it was Fast Alex winning a first-level allowance race with a tremendous closing kick Mar. 1 at the Fair Grounds.

On a race card that was canceled after the eighth race due to heavy rains which fell most of the day, Fast Alex was unfazed by the sealed, sloppy surface. Breaking from the rail in the seven-horse field, jockey Curt Bourque allowed the dark bay colt to settle in fifth. Still in that position as the field entered the homestretch after a pedestrian three-quarter mile time of 1:13.95, Bourque swung his mount five wide around a wall of horses. Favored Island Soul was moving very well in mid-stretch, but Fast Alex kicked into high gear and cruised by with about 70 yards to go, winning going away by 1 1/2 lengths. He completed the one-mile and forty-yard-contest in 1:41.46.

Fast Alex is a Triple Crown nominee, and looks to be pointed to the Mar. 27 Louisiana Derby (G2), according to trainer Greg Geier. “If everything goes right, I’m going to the Derby,’’ said Geier. “It's almost four weeks. That’s perfect.’’

This was Fast Alex's third lifetime start, all at the Fair Grounds. He didn't make his debut until Jan. 23, when he was third in a six-furlong dash. Stretched out to two turns for his next start on Feb. 6, his closing move was on display for the maiden victory.

With his latest win, he has earned $52,730 for owner/breeder Jim Tafel, LLC.