There was nothing deceptive about The Big Con’s (GB) performance in Sunday’s Grade 3 Grey Stakes at Woodbine. With perfect timing, poise, and a rail-skimming ride from Sahin Civaci, the British-bred colt produced a gritty stretch drive to secure his first stakes victory — proving that this “Con” is the real deal.
Civaci, who recently relocated his tack to New York, delivered a ride that mixed patience with precision. Settled fifth in a compact field of seven, The Big Con hugged the inside rail as Gone With Duwyn blazed an opening quarter in :24.65, holding sway ahead of stablemate Madagascar and Big Time Boss.
By the halfway point in :50.21, the tempo steadied, and The Big Con began creeping closer, biding his time behind the leaders. Turning for home, Civaci waited for a gap — and when the rail opened, he seized it with quiet authority.
Once in front, The Big Con looked to idle, ears pricked as Silent Tactic loomed dangerously from the outside. But when the challenge came, the colt found another gear, digging in to repel his rival by three-quarters of a length at the wire.
Longshot Wembley Avenue (83-1) rallied late for third, with Buium in fourth. The winning time for the 1 1/16-mile feature was 1:46.57.
“My only concern was when he got to the lead — he perked his ears forward and put the brakes on me,” Civaci explained afterward. “Once the horse on the outside inched up closer, that’s when he responded and kicked in again. I had a ton of horse left.”
Trained by Miguel Clement, the son of Dark Angel (IRE) out of Nakuti (IRE) (Mastercraftsman (IRE)) continues to impress after just two starts. His debut win came on the Presque Isle synthetic on September 17, when he circled the field and drew off by 8½ lengths, cruising home in 1:39.45.
Owned by Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Tony Weintraub, and Brandon Dalinka, The Big Con was bred in England by St Albans Bloodstock LLP and purchased for 115,000 guineas at Tattersalls October Yearling Sale in 2024, through Newsells Park Stud.
Sent off the 4-5 favourite, the roan colt returned $3.60 to win — a fitting reward for a performance that blended composure, power, and potential.
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