Mondego (GB) gave his owner Cheyenne Stable LLC a sweet Valentine’s Day gift when he got his first career stakes win in the San Marcos S. (G3) at Santa Anita Park.

Trained by Mike McCarthy, Mondego was ridden for the first time by Emisael Jaramillo in Saturday’s 1 ¼-mile turf marathon. Mondego got an ideal stalking trip, sitting in fourth just behind a trio of dueling pacesetters. He held his spot along the inside for the first mile, then swung wide for the stretch run. Full of energy, Mondego surged to the front inside the final furlong to win by a length in 2:00.06 on the firm turf.

“I thought Emisael rode him wonderfully today,” McCarthy said. “He worked him this week, and I thought the horse worked great. We were able to wheel out at the top of the lane there and proved best today.”

Mondego, who was twice graded stakes-placed prior to Saturday, is now 4-1-3 in 19 starts and has earned $407,047.