Just A Touch exciting

Qatar Racing and Marc Detempel’s 3yo newcomer Just A Touch created a deep impression when making a winning debut at Fair Grounds on Saturday and looks a colt with a huge future. On The Nile completed the weekend double for Qatar Racing when winning at Gulfstream Park on Sunday.

Justify colt Just A Touch lined up against 8 rivals in a 6f maiden special weight on dirt with a big reputation, backed into 1/2 favourite. He never gave his supporters a moment’s worry as he was always handy under Florent Geroux and stormed away to win by 4¼ lengths, with the field spread out behind.

Part of the reason the Brad Cox-trained Just A Touch was so well supported was because he had run 5f in just over 59secs a fortnight earlier. His time for 6f on Saturday was 1m10.5secs despite Just A Touch cruising over the line.

Just a Touch was bred by Don Alberto Corporation out of the Gr.-winning Tapit mare Touching Beauty. He was signed for at the Ocala Breeders' Sales Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training by Fergus Galvin on behalf of Qatar Racing and Marc Detampel. The $300,000 he cost now appears outstanding value.

3yo Cairo Prince filly On The Nile scored in the hands of Qatar Racing’s retained rider Oisin Murphy, for trainer Brendan Walsh. She left her debut form well behind to win a 1m maiden optional claimer on the turf by 2 lengths.