Sylvan Express Rallies in Stretch to Win El Conejo at Santa Anita

Jockey Eddie Delahoussaye found daylight between horses late in the stretch and guided Sylvan Express through the opening and to a head victory over Carload in the $81,850 El Conejo Handicap in front of a crowd of 33,057 at Santa Anita.

High Brite finished another neck behind in a tightly packed group at the finish.

Sylvan Express, a 5-year-old Irish-bred runner who was a stakes winner in Europe last year, carried 119 pounds and covered the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:03 4/5.

Owned by Mrs. R.A. Johnson, Sylvan Express paid $9.20, $3.60 and $2.80 as he won for the ninth time in 30 starts.

Carload, ridden by Chris McCarron and carrying 117, paid $3.20 and $2.40. High Brite, carrying 120 and ridden by Gary Stevens, paid $3.20 to show.

Faro set the early pace but faded to finish fourth. The win was one of three on the day for Delahoussaye, who also was aboard Definite Signs ($12.60) in the third, and Y’Amor ($33) in the fourth.