Angel Cruz, 23, who began riding in Southern California last month, won for the first time at Del Mar on The Hunted in Sunday's eighth race, an allowance race with a $20,000 claiming option for California-breds at a mile on turf.

The Hunted ($5.80) was always near the front and won by 1 3-4 lengths over 3-1 Acclimate in 1:35.10.

Cruz rode The Hunted to a win in a maiden race at Santa Anita on Oct. 27, shortly after the native of Puerto Rico had relocated from Maryland.

The Hunted, trained by Richard Baltas, has improved noticeably this fall and could be in stakes for Cal-breds at the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting.