Nessy, the 4-5 favorite, closed from third to win his first graded stakes in Sunday's Grade 3 San Juan Capistrano Stakes at about 1 3-4 miles on turf.

Ridden by Mike Smith, Nessy raced inside for the first 1 1-2 miles and rallied wide to catch pacesetter A Red Tie Day in the final furlong. Rye closed well to finish third.

Nessy, who races for Sierra Farm, is trained by Ian Wilkes.