Gregorian Chant won his American debut in Sunday's third race despite veering out sharply at the start of a turf race at 1 1-8 miles on turf for 3-year-olds.

Ridden by Flavien Prat, his first winner since being promoted in Saturday's Kentucky Derby, Gregorian Chant ($5) closed from last in a field of five to win by 2 1-4 lengths as the favorite. Swamp Souffle, the 5-2 third choice, finished second.

Gregorian Chant was timed in 1:48.84. A colt by the Clodovil stallion Gregorian, Gregorian Chant won his debut in an all-weather race at seven furlongs at Dundalk, Ireland last December and joined trainer Phil D'Amato's stable the following month.

D'Amato said after Sunday's race that Gregorian Chant will have his stakes debut in the $150,000 Cinema Stakes at 1 1-8 miles on June 2.