ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) -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.

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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. Coast Guard held on for third.

El Gato Malo, sent to the post as the 3-2 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 three of five 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 the 1 1-8 mile 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 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.

In the rematch, rider David Flores made his move earlier, passing horses - including Colonel John - in the turn. Colonel then charged past him.