Jeranimo won the $150,000 San Gabriel Stakes by 2-3/4 lengths at Santa Anita on Sunday.
Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, Jeranimo ran 1-1/8 miles on the turf in 1 minute, 46.50 seconds and returned $6 for a $2 win bet. He was last early in the seven-horse field and moved into contention around the far turn before getting caught three-wide turning for home.
''I had a ton of horse from the beginning all the way to the end,'' Bejarano said. ''I never had to use my stick. He just galloped the whole race. Coming into the stretch I asked a little bit and he responded with a big kick. The way he ran was impressive.''
Temple's Door finished second, and Chosen Miracle was another length back in third. Slim Shadey, the 3-2 favorite, finished sixth.
The victory, worth $90,000, increased 7-year-old Jeranimo's career earnings to $1,197,400, with nine wins in 32 starts.
''We have always had hopes of running in the Arlington Million,'' winning trainer Mike Pender said. ''We think this horse can go a mile and a quarter if he gets his trip and gets the right pace in front of him. As he gets older, we are going to try and turn him into a marathoner. He might surprise a few people.''
Meanwhile in the $75,000 Paseana Handicap, Snow Fall won by 3-1/4 lengths in her second start for Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.
Ridden by Tyler Baze, Snow Fall ran one mile in 1:36.26 and paid $13.
''I haven't had that feeling from a horse in a long time,'' Baze said. ''I had so much horse under me, it's just a great feeling to have from such a good horse like that. Jerry gave me the opportunity, so I was going to take advantage of it.''
Distracting, one of two entries trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, was second. Curvy Cat was another 3-3/4 lengths back in third.
The victory, worth $47,100, increased Snow Fall's career earnings to $185,193, with four wins in 13 starts.
