'Rising Star' The Big Con Takes Woodbine's Grey (G3)

The Big Con (GB) (c, 2, Dark Angel {Ire}–Nakuti {Ire}, by Mastercraftsman {Ire}), a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' on the merit of his only previous start and 8 1/2-length win at Presque Isle Downs Sept. 17, showed why he earned the moniker with a bang-up victory in Sunday's GIII Grey Stakes for 2-year-olds at Woodbine. Despite the 4-5 confidence the public placed in him, the gray must have had his connections holding their collective breaths more than once during the running.

He broke nicely from the one hole and was quickly settled midpack by Sahin Civaci, but when things got tight for him, he argued with his rider just a bit as he was shuffled back several spots. Undaunted behind fractions of :24.65 and :50.21, The Big Con made a  mid-race run, moving up easily along the rail to second, but suddenly put on the brakes and appeared beaten after being passed by two others. It was just a “big con,” however, as when a seam opened on the rail off the turn, Civaci was quick to capitalize on it and sent the big colt clear with his ears pricked. Silent Tactic threatened late, but The Big Con re-engaged and looked like he had plenty left. He got the 1 1/16 miles on the synthetic in 1:46.57 to remain unbeaten in two lifetime starts.

“My only concern was when he got to the lead, he perked his ears forward and put the brakes on me,” said Civaci. “I was asking him a lot and he wasn't responding. Once the horse on the outside inched up closer, that's when he responded and that's when he kicked in again. I had a ton of horse left.”

A 115,000gns yearling purchase at Tattersalls in 2024 by Badgers Bloodstock in conjunction with Christophe Clement and Dean Reeves, The Big Con races for Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Tony Weintraub, and Brandon M. Dalinka.