Prep should have Big John B ready for repeat in Tokyo City Cup

ARCADIA, Calif. – The likely favorite in the Grade 3 Tokyo City Cup is an 8-year-old gelding who finished next to last in a comeback from an 11-month layoff.

“Mission accomplished,” trainer Phil D’Amato said after Big John B defeated one rival in his return. “He came back, and he was not blowing at all.”

Big John B, with a prep race under his belt, seeks his second consecutive Tokyo City Cup win Sunday at Santa Anita, where he will become the first winner of the stakes to stick around another year and try to win it again.

The Tokyo City was lengthened to 1 1/2 miles in 2008; Big John B will be the first winner of the $100,000 marathon to make a repeat appearance. Beyond advancing age and uncertainty as to whether he is still good enough, the pace scenario might not flatter Big John B’s closing style. The field includes only one front-runner.

Infobedad, a first-level allowance winner last out, figures to be loose on the lead.

“He’s 2 for 2 on dirt [in North America], and he can run that far,” trainer John Sadler said.

As lone speed, Infobedad is the key starter in the six-runner field. His “class deficiency” is less worrisome. Infobedad could be in a race by himself, and he might not stop.

The field also includes the Sadler-trained Hard Aces, a Grade 1 winner proven at the distance, and Hi Happy, a Group 1 winner in South America dropping from the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap. Irish Surf and Beach View complete the field.

Tokyo City Cup, Race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

Infobedad, by Dancing for Me

Last 3 Beyers: 89-79-91

◗ He won both of his main-track starts this winter at Santa Anita, including a first-level allowance last out over next-start winner Ain’t Misbehavin.

◗ Tyler Baze rides Infobedad, who would be the first Tokyo City Cup winner to lead at every call since the 2008 distance change.

Hi Happy, by Pure Prize

Last 3 Beyers: 99-93-98

◗ A three-time Group 1 winner in Argentina, Hi Happy could get a good trip positioned second. Felipe Souza trains Hi Happy, whose rider is Tiago Pereira.

Big John B, by Hard Spun

Last 3 Beyers: 86-00-90

◗ After winning the 2016 Tokyo City Cup, he sustained a hind-end injury while training, D’Amato said.

”Horses come back from that, no problem,” he said.

◗ Rafael Bejarano rides Big John B, who has a history of improving in his second start back from a layoff. He has won 15 races and $851,030 from 41 starts.

Hard Aces, by Hard Spun

Last 3 Beyers: 85-92-94

◗ He won the Grade 1 Gold Cup at Santa Anita in 2015 and the Grade 3 Cougar II at Del Mar in 2016. Hard Aces may have been too close to the pace last out in the Santa Anita Handicap; he finished sixth. His rider Sunday is Santiago Gonzalez.