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ARCADIA, Calif. - Imperialism circled five horses at the top of the stretch and overtook favorite Lion Heart to win the $200,000 San Rafael Stakes by a neck Saturday.
The victory stamped Imperialism as a 3-year-old to watch on the road to the May 1 Kentucky Derby. The betting public was skeptical, though, sending him off at 7-1 odds. They made Lion Heart even-money after he won all three of his 2-year-old starts last year. Imperialism is nominated to the Triple Crown races.
"Even though we got something special here, it's still a fantasy and we got to treat it as such," winning owner Steve Taub said about his Kentucky Derby hopes.
Ridden by Victor Espinoza, Imperialism covered 1 mile in 1:36.11 and paid $16.80, $5.40 and $4.20. Lion Heart returned $3 and $3. Consecrate was another 41/2 lengths back and paid $8.80.
Imperialism, who won the San Vicente Stakes last month, was making his second start for 21-year-old trainer Kristin Mulhall since coming from Florida. "I won't share him," she said. "It set up perfect for him with the speed and he has that one big kick. He's very versatile. He'll go as far as you want. He moved at just the right time."
FAIR GROUNDS: In New Orleans, Ashado took command in the stretch and defeated Victory U.S.A. by 33/4 lengths in the $300,000 Oaks.
GULFSTREAM PARK: Last Song pulled away from Society Selection, the 1-2 favorite, down the stretch to win by two lengths and take the $200,000 Grade 2 Bonnie Miss Stakes for 3-year-old fillies.
Lion Tamer later took the $200,000 Grade 2 Richter Scale Breeders' Cup Sprint Championship Handicap for 3-year-olds, beating Coach Jimi Lee by 3/4 of a length.
TAMPA BAY DOWNS: Attack the Books beat Native Hawk by a short head in the 1 1/16-mile $75,000 Budweiser Challenge Stakes, winning in 1:44.46 and paying $20.60. Favorite Burning Roma was third.