In late November, for his 22nd start, British Isles had a career change. The then-4-year-old gelding started on dirt after 18 consecutive races on turf.
The surface switch has led to the goal of running British Isles in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap on March 7.
Trained by Richard Baltas, British Isles was a game second in the Grade 3 Native Diver Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on dirt at Del Mar on Nov. 22, and fifth at 83-1 in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational at 1 1/8 miles at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 26.