Pass Rush takes San Fernando

ARCADIA, Calif. - Pass Rush was the lone invader among the eight 4-year-olds in Saturday's $219,600 at Santa Anita.

His convincing win did not flatter the seven California-based colts and geldings that finished behind him, none of whom managed to put up a battle through the stretch.

Shipping from Florida, Pass Rush won his first graded stakes in the San Fernando, racing wide throughout and pulling clear in the final furlong to score by 3 1/2 lengths. Ridden by Corey Nakatani, Pass Rush ($9.20) ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.37.

Breaking on the outside, Pass Rush was four wide on the first turn and backstretch, stalking the pace of Traditional, who set early fractions of 23.04 and 46.54 seconds.

At the three-eighths pole, Mananan McLir closed from fourth to take the lead along the rail, with Pass Rush still wide. Nakatani urged Pass Rush closer to Mananan McLir on the turn, and took the lead before the quarter pole.

"I wasn't too worried about the ground because he's a big, long-striding colt," Nakatani said. "He acts like he wants to go a mile and a half."

"When I sat him down after he switched leads, he gave me a good sensation. I thought I had it won at any time. When I pushed the button, he responded."

Tracemark, the winner of the California Derby last April, finished second, a half-length in front of Tizbud, the 3-1 favorite. Tizbud, a full-brother to two-time Breeders' Cup Classic winner Tiznow, was making his first start against winners, having won a maiden race at Hollywood Park in November.

Tizbud was followed by Rushin' to Altar, Century City, Groom on the Run, Mananan and McLir, and Traditional.

Pass Rush races for Michael Tabor and trainer Patrick Byrne and has won 5 of 15 starts and $376,120. Last fall, Pass Rush won the Ben Harrison Stakes for Indiana-breds at Hoosier Park and finished second in the Great State Challenge at Sam Houston Race Park in early December.