Special Leader Comes Back to Win

An 18-1 outsider making his final start, Special Leader rallied in the final yards to win the 20th running of the Champion of Champions Saturday night at Los Alamitos.

Special Leader lagged behind early leaders Refrigerator and Takin On The Cash, and passed Isaws Sugar Bear in the final three strides. Refrigerator, the 4-5 favorite and the fastest qualifier in the Dec. 7 trials, tired in the final yards and finished third.

Coupled in the wagering with Reckless Dash, Special Leader paid $38.80, 9.60 and $4. Isaws Sugar Bear paid $6 and $3.20 and Refrigerator paid $2.20 to show.

A 4-year-old who will be retired to stud at the end of the year, Special Leader won for the seventh time in 18 starts and will be named champion aged stallion by the American Quarter Horse Assn. in January.