by Jeff Apel

Niagara Causeway opened a clear lead approaching the stretch and gamely turned back Church Service in the closing strides of a nose win in the $108,200 Tokyo City Handicap (G3) on Saturday at Santa Anita Park.

Earning his first career stakes win, Niagara Causeway tracked pacesetter Plug Me In from second through a half-mile in :49.06. Opening a head lead through one mile in 1:39.14, Niagara Causeway increased his advantage to three lengths on the turn and dug in with determination in the closing strides.

“We inherited the lead going to the far turn and at that point, I just didn’t want to get in his way,” jockey Jon Court said. “I didn’t move on him until we hit the top of the lane and that’s when I pushed the button. The last sixteenth, I was just saying, ‘Come on wire.’ ”

Niagara Causeway was positioned two wide on the backstretch of the 1 1/2-mile race. Gaining command on the outside of Plug Me In, Niagara Causeway led multiple Grade 1-placed Big Booster by 2 1/2 lengths in early stretch.

Graded stakes-placed Church Service rallied from last in the field of seven but could not overtake Niagara Causeway, who won in 2:29 on a track rated as fast.

Big Booster finished third, three-quarters of a length behind Church Service.

Leonard Powell trains Niagara Causeway for Glenda Perryman’s La Bahia Stud. The Giant’s Causeway horse entered off a win in a 1 1/16-mile allowance/optional claiming race on February 24 at Santa Anita.

Niagara Causeway finished second in the 2006 Cinema Breeders’ Cup Handicap (G3) at Hollywood Park.

Niagara Causeway earned his fourth win in 20 starts and increased his earnings to $255,567. Bred in Kentucky, Niagara Causeway is out of Group 3 winner Theoretically, by Theatrical (Ire).

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Jeff Apel is a Thoroughbred Times assistant daily news editor