Cox not rushing into anything with John Henry winner Big Changes

Big Changes has returned to Churchill Downs after winning the $50,000 John Henry Stakes on Saturday night at Evangeline Downs. Trainer Brad Cox said he will let him recover from the race before deciding where to run him next.

“Anytime you ship to Louisiana and back north, it takes a little bit out of them,” Cox said.

Big Changes, who races for Steve Landers of Arkansas, has won both of his starts this year. He opened his 6-year-old season with an optional $50,000 claiming turf route score June 19 at Indiana Grand.

“He’s been training well, has showed up nice for us so far this year,” said Cox.

Cox’s other recent Evangeline stakes starter, Dazzling Gem, breezed Saturday at Churchill, going five-eighths in 1:01.80. Dazzling Gem finished second in the $100,000 Evangeline Mile on June 23.

“It was his first work since the Evangeline Mile,” Cox said. “He worked well. We’ll work him a few more times and pick something out.”

Dazzling Gem also races for Landers.