The second-time starter Italiano ($16.80) held off a sustained bid from 5-1 Concur to win a maiden race for 2-year-olds at 5 1-2 furlongs in Saturday's second race.

Ridden by Mike Smith, Italiano won by a nose in 1:05.73. Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer for owner and breeder Al Graziani, Italiano was fourth in his debut at Los Alamitos on Sept. 22. Italiano is by Twirling Candy.

Concur, by Curlin, was bought for $500,000 at the Ocala Breeders' Sale of 2-year-olds in-training in March. This was his career debut, and a highly promising one as well for trainer Phil D'Amato.