The first-time starter Shady Empire (9.80) led throughout a maiden special weight race for California-bred 2-year-olds at 4 1-2 furlongs in Friday's third race.

Shady Empire won by 2 1-2 lengths over 3-1 Side Street Dave, who closed from fifth in a field of eight.

Ridden by Edwin Maldonado, Shady Empire was timed in 53.67 seconds. Trained by Jeff Bonde for Edward and Debi Brown and Terry Lovingier, Shady Empire is a colt by Empire Way and is out of River Kiss, who was second in the Grade 2 Sorrento Stakes at Del Mar in 2011.