Dynever convincingly in San Bernadino

ARCADIA, Calif. - Dynever launched his 2004 campaign with a convincing win in Saturday's $110,600 at Santa Anita, the colt's first start since a third-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Classic on this track last fall.

Ridden by Corey Nakatani, Dynever was always traveling comfortably on the backstretch, racing about six lengths behind pacesetter Ender's Shadow, who set fractions of 23.74 and 47.31 seconds.

Nakatani guided Dynever to a contenting position three-wide on the final turn. Dynever took the lead in early stretch and pulled clear to win by 4 1/2 lengths. Dynever ($3.20) finished 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.07.

"It was a nice easy effort on his part," Nakatani said. "The farther he goes, the better he gets."

Total Impact, who stalked Ender's Shadow to early stretch until passed by Dynever, held second, finishing two lengths in front of Even the Score in the field of seven.

Dynever has won 4 of 10 starts and $1,220,380 for owners Peter Karches and Catherine Wills and trainer Christophe Clement. The victory ended a five-race losing streak dating back to the Lone Star Derby last May.

Dynever will be pointed for the Pimlico Special on May