updated 7:52 p.m. ET April 5, 2008

ARCADIA, Calif. - Colonel John added to his credentials as the West Coast’s top 3-year-old when he rallied late in the stretch to win the Santa Anita Derby on Saturday.

Striding smoothly and strongly when jockey Corey Nakatani asked him to turn it on, Colonel John blew past pacesetter Coast Guard and then pulled ahead of Bob Black Jack near the wire to win by a a half-length. Coast Guard held on for third, another length behind.

El Gato Malo, sent to the post as the favorite in what was billed as a two-horse matchup with Colonel John, finished fifth.

A Kentucky-bred son of Tiznow, Colonel John will be heading home as one of the leading contenders in the Run for the Roses. The colt has won four of six career starts and was second in the other two.

The win ended Nakatani’s 0-for-12 record in the Santa Anita Derby and was the first time trainer Eoin Harty had saddled the winner.

Colonel John was clocked in 1:48.16 for 1 1-8 miles and paid $7.20, $4 and $3.20 as the second choice in the wagering. Bob Black Jack, ridden by Richard Migliore, returned $7.20 and $5.40. The show payoff on Coast Guard, with Joe Talamo up, was $7.80.

Colonel John had beaten El Gato Malo in the March 1 Sham Stakes, finishing a half-length in front after El Gato Malo got boxed in and had to swing to the outside. That was the first loss in four races for El Gato Malo.

Video   Nakatani and Colonel John make it happen April 5: Corey Nakatani talks to NBC after racing Colonel John at the Santa Anita Derby NBC Sports

In the rematch, El Gato Malo rider David Flores made his move earlier, passing horses — including Colonel John — early in the final turn. Colonel John, getting a clear path on the outside, then charged past him and the others ahead of him.

A bay colt bred by WinStar Farm, Colonel John was far back in the 11-horse field for much of the 71st running of the Santa Anita Derby, as Nakatani patiently waited for the right time to make a move.

Video   Race replay: Santa Anita Derby April 5: Check out a replay of Colonel John's winning ride. NBC Sports

Yankee Bravo was fourth, followed by El Gato Malo. Rounding out the finish were On the Virg, Shore Do, Meetingwithdestiny, Polonius, Rossa Corsa and Signature Move.

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