ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) — Juniper Pass and rider Rafael Bejarano rallied from the middle of the field and beat Imponente Purse by a head Sunday in the $150,000 San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap, the traditional closing day feature at Santa Anita.
A 4-year-old son of Lemon Drop Kid trained by Ray Bell, Juniper Pass sat fifth for most of the Grade 2 turf marathon for older horses behind early leaders Power Series and Celtic New Year, but after making the final turn four-wide put on a huge charge and narrowly held off a similar rally from the runner-up, covering 134 miles in 2:47.74.
Juniper Pass paid $8.80, $5.40 and $3.40. Imponente Purse paid $12.60 and $6. Celtic New Year paid $6.20 to show.
