Big John B rides rail to win Cougar II

DEL MAR, Calif. – Big John B and Rafael Bejarano were stuck on the rail behind the front-runners at the end of the backstretch in Friday’s $100,000 Cougar II Handicap at Del Mar. It turned out to be an ideal position.

When pacesetter Cat Burglar drifted off the rail on the turn, Bejarano seized the opportunity, guiding Big John B to the lead on the inside. Big John B kept the advantage through the stretch and held off a stubborn 12-1 outsider in Bailoutbobby to win the Grade 3 race at 1 1/2 miles on dirt.

“I was stuck on the rail,” Bejarano said. “I had to take my chance. I took the opportunity to come through. He was flying, and he gave me a big kick.”

Sky Kingdom finished third, followed by Lideris and Cat Burglar. Point Piper and Solid Wager were scratched early Friday.

The Cougar II was Big John B’s first stakes win on dirt. Big John B ($8.40) was timed in 2:31.62. The Cougar II was his second stakes win in the last year. Big John B won the Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap at 1 3/8 miles on turf here last August, a race that could be in the plans this year Aug. 22.

A 6-year-old gelding by Hard Spun, Big John B races for Michael House and trainer Phil D’Amato. Big John B has won 13 of 33 starts and earned $576,175.