Ancient Land passes two-turn test in Prather Stakes

Ancient Land conquered two turns in his first attempt Monday at Zia Park, when he pushed past the leaders in the stretch for a 1 1/4-length victory in the $145,000 Steve Prather Stakes. Go Now Go finished second, while it was another half-length back to Evacuee in third.

The Prather, at one mile and 70 yards, was the final stakes of the Zia meet that closes Dec. 18.

Ancient Land ($18.20) was content to stalk dueling leaders through an opening quarter in 23.66 seconds and a half-mile in 47.16. Ancient Land moved up on the final turn, and worked his way past his rivals in the stretch while covering the distance in 1:45.86. The sealed track was labeled wet-fast.

Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez was aboard Ancient Land for trainer Casey Lambert.

Ancient Land is a son of the Thunderello stallion Monterey Jazz. He has now won 3 of 8 starts and the first place check of $87,000 on Monday pushed his career earnings to $109,921.