Triple Crown-nominated GILDED BANDIT (c, 3, Charlatan–Diamond Ore, by Tapit) out-dueled fellow second-time starter Deep Flame (Into Mischief) to a 'TDN Rising Star'-worthy win at Keeneland Saturday for Pin Oak Stud and trainer Bill Mott.Racing with the blinkers added off a fourth-place run at Gulfstream Feb. 28, the 3-1 shot had to sit towards the back of the field while main rival, 6-5 favorite Deep Flame was up on a battle for the lead through the opening furlongs. By the time the field crossed into the far turn, jockey Junior Alvarado had guided Gilded Bandit closer to the front where he stalked that pair of leaders before shifting out to engage the now solo Deep Flame.Moving between runners at the quarter pole, Gilded Bandit still had work to do but kept grinding down the outside as the top pair easily opened up several lengths back to the rest of the field. In a throwdown the wire, the son of Charlatan just prevailed in the final strides while Deep Flame, who ran second to Friday's Lafayette Stakes winner Trouble Calling (Dialed In) in his own debut Feb. 14, was again relegated to the runner-up slot. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0.O- Pin Oak Stud LLC; B-Taylor Made Stallions Inc., Brunacini Stables, Clearview Stable LLC, et al; T-Bill Mott. Sales History: $550,000 ylg '24 FTSAUG. GILDED BANDIT ($8.32) had to work for it in the 2nd at @keenelandracing! The Charlatan colt battled with a game Deep Flame all the way home. Bill Mott conditions for owner @PinOakStud. @JuniorandKellyA was up!Bet the next: https://t.co/XjcuFHFoEq pic.twitter.com/aOkI9xRcJd— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) April 4, 2026The post Gilded Bandit Out-Duels Deep Flame To ‘Rising Stardom’ In Battle Of Second-Time Starters appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.