Unraced since October of last year, Slew's Tiznow displayed no signs of rustiness
as he breezed to an impressive victory Friday in the featured $108,700 El Cajon Stakes for three-year-olds at one mile.

Slipping through on the rail turning into the stretch under leading rider Rafael Bejarano, Slew's Tiznow disposed of pacesetting Young Joe and then drew off to win by three lengths in 1:35.62.

Young Joe, piloted by Joe Talamo, held on to be second, two lengths in front of well-supported Cherokee Artist, with Lukimbi fourth in the field of seven sophomore runners. Leonides, the 2-1 favorite, finished last in a disappointing performance. Spinning Sound and National Holiday were withdrawn from the original field.

Slew's Tiznow, who hadn't run since finishing second to Wicked Style in the Grade I Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland race course last fall when he was trained by Patrick Biancone, is now conditioned by Doug O'Neill for owner Joseph Lacombe.

Sent postward at 5-1, the son of Tiznow returned $13, $7 and $3.80 while earning $65,220 with his second win in four starts. Young Joe paid $7.20 and $3.60, with Cherokee Artist, second choice in the wagering, paying $3 to show.

With no perfect tickets in the Pick Six, Saturday's program will feature a carryover of $156,689.

RAFAEL BEJARANO (Slew's Tiznow) -- "The boss (trainer Doug O'Neill) never gives me any instructions. He just says: 'Ride him; you know what to do.' I was going to go outside with him, but they all came over quick and it was better to go down inside and save (ground). When the hole opened (on the rail on the far turn) there was no doubt I was going. And I had the horse to go. He's a nice one."

JOSEPH TALAMO (Young Joe) -- "I had the nice trip up front. I was feeling good about it. David (trainer David Hofmans) did a nice job of getting this horse to be ready to stretch out. He ran well for going two turns for the first time. In fact, I think he'll be a better type going long. It's easier for him to get out there and relax."

GARRETT GOMEZ (Cherokee Artist) -- "I liked where I was and he seemed to be handling it fine. Last time (West Virginia Derby August 2) he was down inside and he didn't like getting hit with that dirt. But today he was fine. It's just that when it came time he didn't have any kind of gear for me."

RICHARD MIGLIORE (Leonides) -- "He just wasn't himself out there today. He's a nice colt and a whole lot better runner than he showed here. I still don't doubt that. He just didn't show up today."

DOUG O'NEILL (Slew's Tiznow) -- "This horse was cut out to be a good one and I think he will be. Greg Fox had him last year and brought him out for the CashCall Futurity at Hollywood Park but he got sick and missed the race. Greg took him back home and got him well and then sent him to Florida to get back in shape. Then he was sent to us about three months ago. He's been training really well. His works aren't fast but he gallops out strong after he works, so that works for him. I didn't expect this kind of performance today, but that just shows how good a horse he is."

FRACTIONS: :23.35 :47.45 1:11.81 1:23.70 1:35.62

The stakes win was the fifth of the meet for Rafael Bejarano and his sixth overall at Del Mar. The victory was his meet-leading 41st on the 39th day of the meet.

The stakes win was the second of the meet for Doug O'Neill and his 12th overall at Del Mar. This is the second time he has won the El Cajon (Perfect Moon in 2004).