Nakatani Wins in Return from Suspension

Jockey Corey Nakatani returned from a 30-day suspension in style Friday with a two-length victory aboard Courtly Jazz in the $54,400 allowance feature at Santa Anita Park.

It was the first mount of the winter/spring meet for Nakatani. The 34-year-old West Covina native is a two-time Santa Anita riding champion with 2,809 career victories.

Courtly Jazz swept past Gray Black N White at the quarter pole and kicked clear through the lane. A 4-year-old Kentucky-bred by Dixieland Band, Courtly Jazz ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.22 and paid $33, $16 and $6.20. Gary Mandella, son of Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella, is the trainer for Lazy Lanes Farms, Inc.

The victory by Courtly Jazz, along with a victory by 24-1 shot Gone Cattin in the fifth race, helped create a two-day Pick Six carryover of $369,815 for Saturday.

Nakatani hadn't ridden since Dec. 19, when he recorded two victories at Hollywood Park. He rode 220 winners last year and was seventh nationally in earnings with $12,466,557.

(Chart, Equibase)