Michael House’s Florida-bred Big John B made it two wins in a row in the Grade II $250,000 Del Mar Handicap with a hard-earned victory over favored Ashleyluvssugar in the mile and three-eighths marathon over the Del Mar turf course Saturday.
With Rafael Bejarano in the saddle, Big John B, a close second choice in the wagering at 2-1, rallied from last place in the eight-horse field to wear down Ashleyluvssugar in the stretch for a convincing length and one-half triumph. A year ago, the son of Hard Spun tallied by five and one-quarter lengths in the Del Mar ‘Cap.
Earlier this summer, Big John B showed his versatility by winning the mile and one-half Cougar II Handicap on the main dirt surface.
Ganesh was third Saturday, a length back of the runner-up and a head in front of Power Ped. Finnegans Wake was scratched from the original line-up of older horses.
Big John B, who was claimed for $50,000 from a race at Keeneland in April of last year, was scoring his 14th victory in 34 races. First money of $150,000 boosted the Phil D’Amato-trained gelding’s earnings to $717,175. He returned $6.20, $3.20 and $2.40 to his backers. Ashleyluvssugar, who was ridden by Gary Stevens, paid $3.20 and $2.60, while Ganesh returned $3.20 to show.
The Del Mar Handicap is a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series event with the winner earning an expenses-paid spot in the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Saturday, Oct. 31 at Keeneland race course, Lexington, Ky.
The Del Mar Handicap was a supporting feature on the day of the Silver Anniversary renewal of the Grade I $1 million TVG Pacific Classic. Appealing Tale won the earlier Pat O’Brien Stakes.
RAFAEL BEJARANO (Big John B, winner) -- "I knew they were going slow, but that was OK. My horse has only one pace, one way to go, and I can't change it. It all came the right way. When we hit the three-eighths (pole) I asked him to go and he really put it in. He has a great kick. He's a powerhouse. He runs so well and he ran well today."
GARY STEVENS (Ashleyluvssugar, second) -- "He ran a really good race. He just got beat by another good horse."
FLAVIEN PRAT (Ganesh, third) -- "He ran well. He hadn't run in a while (three months) and he probably needed the race."
PHIL D'AMATO (Big John B, winner) -- "They were going so slow up front and Big John B was off the pace. I didn't know if he would have enough of a kick but he really did. My other horse (Danas Best, 5th) ran a good race too, he was just stuck down inside."
PETER EURTON (Ashleyluvssugar, second) "I'm really pleased with his race. I almost decided I wouldn't run him, but the last couple of weeks he's gotten good again and Gary (Stevens) gave him a great ride."
RICHARD BALTAS (Little Jerry, eighth) -- "It's just too far for him. He's not bred to go that distance. With that said, he still got out there and gave a big try on the lead."
FRACTIONS: :24.47 :49.78 1:15.93 1:40.60 2:04.89 2:16.37
The stakes win was the fourth of the meet for rider Bejarano, but his first in the Del Mar Handicap. He now has 47 stakes wins at Del Mar.
The stakes win was the second of the meet for trainer D'Amato and his second in the Del Mar Handicap. He won last year's running with the same horse. He now has five stakes wins at Del Mar.
Big John B's owner is Michael House of El Cajon, CA.