Favored Istan takes Governor's

Istan, the favorite in a field of 10 older horses, rolled to a 4 1/2-length victory Saturday in the $50,000 Governor's Handicap at Ellis Park in Henderson, Ky.

Trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Miguel Mena, Istan stalked the pace before moving outside the front-runners and opening an unassailable lead in midstretch. Spellbinder finished second, 4 1/2 lengths before Red Raymond in the one-mile race.

Istan, a 5-year-old Kentucky-bred horse by Gone West, returned $5.80 after finishing in 1:35.68 over a fast track. Owned by Darpat S.L. Stables, Istan now has won seven of 17 career starts.