Mike Pegram's homebred five-year-old Preachinatthebar, who had not won a stakes race in more than two years, got back on track Saturday when he proved best in a field of nine in the $110,600 Tokyo City Handicap (G3) at Santa Anita Park.

Reluctant to load into the starting gate for the 1 1/8-mile race, Preachinatthebar, with Jon Court in the saddle, broke from post position eight and moved into fourth position early while kept wide and clear of trouble as Truly a Judge carved out early fractions of :22.76 and :46.55 over the fast main track.

After six furlongs in 1:10.14, Truly a Judge's lead was dwindling as Romeo Plus (Arg) and Congrats put pressure on the leader, with Preachinatthebar widest of all in fourth. Turning for home Preachinatthebar ran down the leaders while behind him the stretch-runners were all closing in futile pursuit. The gray or roan son of Silver Charm was game to the finish, crossing the finish line a length clear of Texcess. It was another half-length back to Melanyhasthepapers.

Preachinatthebar finished in 1:48.14.

"He was very comfortable with the way the race set up," Court said. "I think the wet/fast track was a huge benefit to him. He really seemed to get a hold of the track and he was liking it. [Trainer Bob Baffert] and I discussed the race yesterday and he told me about the horse's style of running. He wanted to be sure I kept him to his task…that was no problem today."

It was the second stakes victory of the day for Pegram and trainer Bob Baffert, who earlier had won Sunland Park's WinStar Derby with Wanna Runner.

Preachinatthebar had failed to win a stakes since annexing the 2004 San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita, and came into the Tokyo City off a fourth place finish in the Santana Mile Handicap on March 12, also at Santa Anita.

A son of Silver Charm, who Baffert trained to win the 1997 Kentucky Derby (G1), Preachinatthebar has now earned $473,240 with seven wins from 22 starts. He is out of the Silver Deputy mare Holy Nola.

For an Equibase chart, click here.