Big John B Back to Dirt for Tokyo City Cup

Michael House's Big John B has only raced on dirt once in his last 35 starts, but that lone start—a score in last year's Cougar II Handicap (gr. III) at Del Mar—was one of his best.



The 7-year-old Hard Spun   gelding will make his way back to dirt for trainer Phil D'Amato in the 40th start of his career, which will be at the same 1 1/2-mile distance as the Cougar II, April 3 in the Tokyo City Cup (gr. III) at Santa Anita Park.

BALAN: Big John B Rides Rail to Win Cougar II 'Cap



Also a multiple grade II winner on turf, Big John B has gone winless in his past five starts—all over the grass and all against graded competition—dating back to his victory in the 2015 Del Mar Handicap (gr. IIT), which immediately followed the Cougar II.



The only other graded winner in the field is Jerry and Ann Moss' Blingo, but the 7-year-old son of Artie Schiller   hasn't been in serious contention in five starts since his victory in the 2014 San Antonio (gr. II).



Stakes winners Class Leader, Ike Walker, and China Girl Lover, along with stakes-placed John's Success and allowance winner Lieutenant Colonel—who is riding a two-race win streak—complete the field.