Bayamo scores in American Handicap

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - After Bayamo's win in Sunday's $150,000 American Handicap at Hollywood Park his name can be added to the glut of high-class middle-distance turf horses in trainer Julio Canani's stable.

Winning his first stakes, Bayamo rallied from fourth in a field of five to win the Grade 2 American by 4 1/2 lengths, finishing 1 1/8 miles on turf in 1:46.60. Ridden by David Flores, Bayamo made an eye-catching wide move on the final turn to take the lead in early stretch.

Sarafan, making his first start since finishing 12th in Hong Kong in late April, closed from last to finish second, four lengths clear of Night Patrol. Black Bart and R McLennen completed the order of finish.

Bayamo, 5, has won 4 of 9 starts and $241,428 racing in France and the U.S. He joins Special Ring and Tsigane as top prospects in Canani's barn in turf races from a mile to 1 1/8 miles.