Ben's Cat back on dirt in Six Bits

The Maryland-based gelding Ben’s Cat has already made one successful excursion to Penn National Race Course this season, so he’s returning to familiar surroundings as the headliner in Wednesday’s inaugural running of the $200,000 Six Bits Handicap.

He is, however, a stranger to Penn National’s main track.

Best known for his prowess as a turf sprinter, Ben’s Cat won the $200,000 Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup Handicap going five furlongs on grass as the 7-5 favorite in late July. He will be making a rare appearance on dirt in the six-furlong Two Bits, the richest of four stakes on the Thanksgiving Eve card, which begins at 6 p.m. Eastern.

The Six Bits, which drew a field of eight, goes as race 3 as the second of four straight stakes on the program.