Oceanport, NJ (My Sportsbook) - Local runner Atomic Rain took control down the stretch to capture Saturday's $175,000 Long Branch Stakes at Monmouth Park. The 1 1/16 mile race for three-year-olds is the final prep before next month's $1 million Haskell Invitational.

Atomic Rain, owned by George and Lori Hall, was coupled with Rapid Redux and sent off as the 5-2 second choices in the eight horse field. Arkansas Derby champ Papa Clem was the 6-5 post-time favorite.

Rapid Redux took the lead shortly after the start and led the field around the clubhouse turn and into the backstretch. Running in second was Despite the Odds, with Lord Justice in third.

Rapoid Redux and jockey Jose Velez took the field into the far turn as Papa Clem began to advance along the rail. Around the final turn, Despite the Odds took a short lead, as Rapid Redux began to tire.

Coming out of the turn, Despite the Odds, Lord Justice and Papa Clem were across the track in front. Making a move on the outside was Atomic Rain and rider Joe Bravo.

Atomic Rain took command with a furling to run and opened his lead to 4 3/4- lengths at the wire. Finishing second was Despite the Odds, followed by Papa Clem, Omniscient, Nowhere to Hide, Lord Justice, Santana Six and Rapid Redux.

The time for the Long Branch was 1:43.79 on a fast track.

"It's unbelievable how much this horse has matured," Bravo said. "Right from the start of the race he wanted to go. I kind of had to try to relax him heading into the first turn. He always had the ability and now his mind is on track."

Trained by Kelly Breen, Atomic Rain earned $105,000 with his third career win in 10 starts. He nearly doubled his career earnings to $248,540.

"This was the most professional race I've seen him run," said Breen. "I don't know yet what we'll do between now and the Haskell. He was pretty cranked up for this, but if I can crank him up anymore I will. He's really coming into his own and if there's a time for that, it's now."

Earlier this year, the colt was seventh in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs and fourth to I Want Revenge in the Wood Memorial.

In the Kentucky Derby, Atomic Rain was the longest shot on the board at 55-1. He finished 16th out of 19 starters; stablemate West Side Bernie was ninth.

"I know his Derby line looks bad," noted Breen, "but Joe (jockey Joe Bravo) did the right thing. The mile and a quarter was a lot to ask of him at that time, and when he got tired in the stretch, Joe just relaxed on him and let him gallop out."

Atomic Rain returned $7.00, $3.80 and $2.40. Despite the Odds paid $6.60 and $3.40, and Papa Clem paid $2.40 to show.