Preachinatthebar wins Tokyo City Handicap

ARCADIA, Calif. - Preachinatthebar, who has won four allowance races in the last year, ended an eight-race losing streak in stakes in Saturday's $110,600 Tokyo City Handicap at Santa Anita.

Ridden by Jon Court, Preachinatthebar stalked pacesetter Truly a Judge for the first seven furlongs, took the lead with a wide move in early stretch and scored by a length over Texcess. Preachinatthebar ($16.20) ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.14.

Court said a fast track that included moisture from overnight rains aided Preachinatthebar. "I think it was a huge plus," Court said. "He laid within striking distance and when I asked him he put a margin in front of them."

Texcess finished a half-length in front of Melanyhasthepapers, who was three-quarters of a length in front of 5-2 favorite El Roblar in the field of nine older horses.

Preachinatthebar, 5, races for Mike Pegram and trainer Bob Baffert. In 2004, Preachinatthebar won the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes, his only other stakes win before the Grade 3 Tokyo City Handicap. Preachinatthebar has won 7 of 22 starts and $473,240.