Cougar II Handicap

The Cougar II Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually in late July/early August at Del Mar Race Track in Del Mar, California. A Grade III event open to horses age three and older, it is contested on Polytrack synthetic dirt over a distance of a mile and a half (12 furlongs). The winner automatically qualifies for a berth in the Breeders' Cup Marathon. Inaugurated in 1937 as the Escondido Handicap, it was renamed in honor of National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame inductee, Cougar II. The race was run as an overnight stakes from 1997 to 2007.

Del Mar Race Track Graded Stakes Races

Stakes Race Grade Purse
Eddie Read Stakes I $300,000
San Clemente Handicap II $150,000
Cougar II Handicap III $125,000
San Diego Handicap II $200,000
Bing Crosby Stakes I $250,000
Sorrento Stakes III $150,000
Clement L. Hirsch Stakes I $300,000
Best Pal Stakes II $150,000
La Jolla Handicap II $150,000
John C. Mabee Stakes II $250,000
Del Mar Oaks I $250,000
Rancho Bernardo Handicap III $150,000
Del Mar Mile II $200,000
Del Mar Handicap II $200,000
Pacific Classic Stakes I $1,000,000
Pat O'Brien Stakes I $250,000
Del Mar Debutante I $250,000
Del Mar Derby II $250,000
Palomar Handicap II $150,000
Del Mar Futurity I $250,000