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 (Tacitus) 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, The Big Con races for Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Tony Weintraub, and Brandon M. Dalinka.
Pedigree Notes:
Irish-based Dark Angel (Ire) is the sire of The Big Con and 68 other graded/group winners, as well as 114 other black-type winners. A full-sibling to The Big Con–this year's GII Yellow Ribbon Handicap winner and 2023 G1 Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes third-place finisher Heredia (GB)–joins the Grey winner as two of the 29 stakes winners out of daughters of the late Mastercraftsman (Ire).
In addition to producing The Big Con and Heredia, 2015 G3 Atalanta Stakes winner Nakuti (Ire) has produced a yearling colt by New Bay (GB), who was entered but withdrawn from Book 2 of this year's Tattersalls October Sale in Newmarket.
Sunday, Woodbine
BET365 GREY S.-GIII, C$152,400, Woodbine, 11-2, 2yo, 1 1/16m (AWT), 1:46.57, ft.
1–THE BIG CON (GB), 119, c, 2, by Dark Angel (Ire)
1st Dam: Nakuti (Ire) (GSW-Eng, GSP-Can, $184,647),
by Mastercraftsman (Ire)
2nd Dam: Sheba Five, by Five Star Day
3rd Dam: Sheba's Step, by Alysheba
1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. (115,000gns Ylg '24 TATOCT) 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard'. O-Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Weintraub, Tony and Dalinka, Brandon M.; B-St Albans Bloodstock LLP (GB); T-Miguel Clement; J-Sahin Civaci. C$90,000. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $85,740. *Full to Heredia (GB), GSW-USA, GSW & G1SP-Eng, $437,410. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Silent Tactic, 119, c, 2, Tacitus–Magical Sign, by Gun Runner. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($60,000 Ylg '24 FTKOCT; $500,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR). O-John C. Oxley; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. C$30,000.
3–Wembley Avenue, 118, c, 2, Known Agenda–Miz Liz, by Stormy Atlantic. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($5,000 Ylg '24 KEEJAN; $15,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP; $30,000 2yo '25 OBSOPN). O-Bet Two Seven Stables; B-Paul King (KY); T-Sid Attard. C$16,500.
Margins: 3/4, 1HF, 3 3/4. Odds: 0.80, 5.15, 83.80.
Also Ran: Buium, Big Time Boss, Gone With Duwyn, Madagascar.
Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
#1 THE BIG CON ($3.60) rallied up the rail to win the $150,000 Grey Stakes (G3) at @WoodbineTB. Sahin Civaci was in the irons for @miguelmclement.
Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/whyigaY8qO
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) November 2, 2025
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