Independence Hall, a two-time stakes winner at Aqueduct last November and January, closed from midpack on the turn to win his first start in California in an allowance race at 6 1-2 furlongs in the eighth and final race at Del Mar on Sunday.

Ridden by Mike Smith, Independence Hall ($5.20) rallied wide and won by 1 1-4 lengths over 8-1 P R Radio Star. Independence Hall was timed in 1:17.43.

The allowance race was Independence Hall's first start for trainer Michael McCarthy and first start since a fifth-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park last March in his final start for trainer Michael Trombetta.

McCarthy said before Sunday's race that he would like to start Independence Hall in the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs at Santa Anita on Dec. 26.