by Jeff Apel

Classic-placed Anak Nakal seized command in deep stretch to win the $1-million Pennsylvania Derby (G2) by a neck on Monday at Philadelphia Park and halt a six-race winless stretch.

Trained by Nick Zito for owner Four Roses Thoroughbreds, Anak Nakal and Ready’s Echo finished in a dead heat for third in the Belmont Stakes (G1), the third leg of the Triple Crown on June 7 at Belmont Park. Anak Nakal entered the Pennsylvania Derby winless since concluding his two-year-old campaign by winning the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) on November 24 at Churchill Downs.

Anak Nakal was reserved by jockey Joe Bravo at the start of the Pennsylvania Derby and raced in 11th in a field of 13 three-year-olds through an opening quarter in :23.32. Wishful Tomcat dueled with Two Step Salsa for the early lead and held a half-length advantage through a half-mile in :47.42.

Weaving his way through traffic, Anak Nakal raced in seventh through six furlongs in 1:11.61, more than three lengths behind Two Step Salsa. Anak Nakal moved up to third in early stretch, 2 1/2 lengths behind runner-up Acai, and unleashed a determined late run on the outside.

Anak Nakal boldly seized command near the finish and won the 1 1/8-mile race in 1:48.99 on a track rated as fast.

Acai finished 1 1/2 lengths clear of multiple Grade 2 winner Smooth Air, the 4.20-to-1 favorite who rallied three wide before drifting out in the stretch.

Anak Nakal finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) on May 3 at Churchill. The Victory Gallop colt posted a runner-up finish in the 2007 Nashua Stakes (G3) prior to winning the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes.

Anak Nakal earned his third win in ten starts and increased his earnings to $875,416. Bred in Kentucky by Buckram Oak Farm, Anak Nakal is the first starter out of the winning Quiet American mare Misk.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Jeff Apel is a Thoroughbred Times assistant daily news editor