Big Bad John, a top three-year-old taking on a field of accomplished older campaigners, was more than up to the task Monday at The Meadows as he

sprinted away to a 5-3/4 lengths victory in the $22,500 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Pace.

Big Bad John won seven of nine starts at two, including divisions of the International Stallion Stakes and the Bluegrass, and opened his sophomore campaign by capturing a Pennsylvania Sires Stake split. But this was the first time trainer Ron Potter sent him out against a seasoned group of veterans.

He responded wonderfully, making the lead with a quarter-pole move for Brett Miller and speeding home in 1:50.2, shaving two ticks from his lifetime mark. The first-over Object Of Art raced well for second with Bettor Design completing the ticket.

Winchester Baye Acres owns Big Bad John, a son of Western Hanover-Trulyawork Of Art who now boasts career earnings of $260,279.

Dave Palone drove four winners - three for trainer Ron Burke - on the 16-race card while Miller fashioned a triple.

(The Meadows)