Juniper Pass wins final feature at Santa Anita

Juniper Pass wins final feature at Santa Anita

Published Apr. 18, 2011 4:16 a.m. ET

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 1 3/4 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.

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