The Kentucky-bred gray son of Rubiano was a $52,000 Barretts' March 2-year-old sale purchase by Joe and Lola Sample. Jack Van Berg trains him.

It was only the second career start for Taliano, who ran last in his debut, a maiden special weight at Del Mar Aug. 31.

Ridden by Danny Sorenson, Taliano saved ground throughout before engaging a tiring Elan, who was bumped hard earlier in the race by Love When You City while vying for the lead. Elan went :21.55 and :46.46 for the half-mile.

The final winning time was 1:17.32.

"The best move on this bull ring is to stay close to the rail," said Sorenson, "because the centrifugal force forces them to the outside."

Sent off at 7-1 in a field of five 2-year-olds who had been offered for sale at a Barretts sale, Taliano paid $17.80.