(March 6, 2004) - Imperialism won his second stakes race in a row for trainer Kristen Mulhall, taking the one mile San Rafael (GII) at Santa Anita Saturday. Like he did in the San Vincente (GII) last month, Imperialism rallied from last to win, this time by a head over Lion Heart.

Since being purchased in January in Florida by owner Steve Taub, Imperialism has done no wrong. Easily the most experienced horse in the field, Imperialism was making his fourteenth lifetime start. Breaking from post three, he was squeezed back soon after the start. Jockey Victor Espinoza allowed him to settle back, and he dropped some dozen lengths off the lead as the field headed down the backstretch. On the front end, the always speedy Hosco had a narrow lead over Lion Heart, as they got the first half mile in a quick :45.71. Lion Heart edged ahead midway through the turn, with Quinton's Gold Rush looming four wide. Meanwhile, Imperialism was launching his rally, but still had only two horses beat at the head of the stretch. Midway down the lane, Lion Heart had pulled clear, but Imperialism was closing quickly. These two moved distanced themselves from the rest of the field; Lion Heart to the inside under Mike Smith, who was imploring his mount vigorously. Espinoza did not hit Imperialism as they neared the wire, and the gray son of Langfuhr edged clear late to win by a neck. Consecrate, at 44-1, got up for third, with Quinton's Gold Rush settling for fourth.

With the win, Imperialism improves to 5-3-1 lifetime. He earned $120,000 for the victory, bringing his lifetime total to $287,605.

After the race, Mulhall said, "As long as he comes out of the race good and everything, he'll go to the Santa Anita Derby."

The winner, dismissed at 7-1, paid $16.80, $5.40, and $4.20. Lion Heart, the even money favorite, paid $3.00 and $3.00. Longshot Consecrate paid $8.80 to show. The $2 exacta was worth $49.20.

Toasted and Lipan were scratched.

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