(Not long ago, their colt, Broad Brush, won the $1 million Santa Anita Handicap.)

"It turned out to be a match race," said Whittingham, who watched Ferdinand lose the same race by a nose to Broad Brush in 1987.

Despite that, it was an impressive showing for Mongoose, a 4-year-old son of Broad Brush.

Ferdinand, who won the Kentucky Derby as a 3-year-old, lost major races to Broad Brush and Snow Chief early last year.

The Californians, led by Ferdinand, Snow Chief and Broad Brush, had been considered a much stronger group.

In 1987, Waquoit beat Broad Brush in a thrilling race.

By post time, though, Broad Brush, the nation's leading handicap horse, was the narrow choice despite carrying from 10 to 22 pounds more than his six opponents.

He gained the lead with a few strides to go as King's Swan outfinished Broad Brush for second.

Variety Road, timed in 1:49 for the mile and an eighth, beat Broad Brush by a neck.

Turning for home, Snow Chief and Broad Brush were virtually head-and-head, with Variety Road about three lengths back before making his final charge.