Cougar II Handicap
| Grade III race | |
| Location |
Del Mar Racetrack Del Mar, California, United States |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1937 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred - Flat racing |
| Website | www |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 1 1⁄2 miles (12 furlongs) |
| Surface | Polytrack synthetic dirt |
| Track | left-handed |
| Qualification | Three-years-old & up |
| Weight | Assigned |
| Purse | $100,000 |
The Cougar II Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually in late July/early August at Del Mar Racetrack 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 qualified for a berth in the Breeders' Cup Marathon before that race was discontinued.
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. Over the years, it has been contested at various distances and occasionally in two divisions.
Three horses have won this race more than once: Dowty (1997, 1998), Big John A (1968, 1969), and Richard's Kid (2012, 2013).
From 2008 until the present time, this race has been run at 12 furlongs. From 1989 to 2007, it was run at 11 furlongs.
Called the Escondido Handicap from inception in 1937 to 2006.
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