(ARCADIA, CA.) Jay Em Ess Stable's Eclipse Award winning Declan's Moon began his three-year-old campaign exactly the same way he finished off his two-year old season, victorious. Declan's Moon, the early favorite for the Kentucky Derby (GI), showed his class as he pulled away in the final furlong to score a two length victory in the $200,000 Santa Catalina (GII) Saturday at Santa Anita.

Declan's Moon, with jockey Victor Espinoza in the irons, broke alertly and relaxed nicely going in to the first turn, and remained in good position laying in third going down the backside, just 1 1/2 lengths behind early leaders Spanish Chestnut and Going Wild. The threesome hit the stretch together and remained on equal terms until inside the furlong marker, when Declan's Moon showed his superiority and won with his ears pricked as he crossed the finish. Going Wild, with Rafael Bejarano up, was second, with the early leader Spanish Chestnut having to settle for third.

Snack, also supported well in the wagering and trained by Santa Anita's leading trainer Doug O'Neill, pulled up after taking a bad step going past the ½ mile pole. Early reports from the track veterinarian were that he suffered fractured sesamoids.

Declan's Moon, a son of Malibu Moon, earned $120,000 for the victory to bring his total earnings to $627,000. The fractions were very solid. :23.51; :46.89; 1:10.85; 1:35.88; leading to a good final running time of 1:42.40 despite a rain-influenced surface.

Ron Ellis, Declan's Moon trainer indicated before the race that perhaps Declan's Moon was only 90-95% fit and that his talent alone may be enough to carry him through. Ellis seemed to have things measured just right. "He wasn't fully cranked but we have something to build on," said Ellis, "Everything went according to plan. It was awesome."

The 4-5 favorite, Declan's Moon, paid $3.60, $2.40 and $2.10. Going Wild paid $3.40 and $2.60, Spanish Chestnut returned $2.60 to show.

Declan's Moon next start is slated for the Santa Anita Derby (GI) April 9.

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