‘Con’ artist: The Big Con (GB) comes up big in Grade 3 Grey
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TORONTO, November 2, 2025 – The Big Con (GB) rode the rail to victory in Sunday’s $150,000 bet365 Grey Stakes (G3) at Woodbine.
Gone With Duwyn seized the lead swiftly and then held a two-length advantage over Madagascar (stablemate of The Big Con), with Big Time Boss in third through an opening panel in :24.65. The Big Con, with Sahin Civaci in the irons, was camped in fifth of seven.
It was still Gone With Duwyn on top after a half in :50.21, 1 ½ lengths clear of The Big Con, followed by Madagascar in third and Big Time Boss in fourth.
Civaci, who recently moved his tack to New York, continued to hug the rail with The Big Con into the turn for home, as a host of rivals began to close in on the Gone With Dunwyn. When a seam opened in the two-path straightening for the stretch drive, Civaci gave the Miguel Clement trainee his cue.
After striking front with about 250 yards to the wire, The Big Con was soon confronted by Silent Tactic, who came with an energetic outside run.
At the wire, The Big Con fended off his foe by three-quarters of a length to earn his first stakes badge. Wembley Avenue, at 83-1, was third and Buium finished fourth.
The final time 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,” said Civaci. “I was asking him a lot and he wasn’t responding. Once the horse on the outside (Silent Tactic) inched up closer, that’s when he responded and that’s when he kicked in again. I had a ton of horse left.”
The son of Dark Angel (IRE) out of the Mastercraftsman (IRE) mare Nakuti (IRE) debuted at one mile over the Presque Isle synthetic on September 17. After sitting last of five early, The Big Con romped to an 8 ½-length win – he was geared down late – in 1:39.45 at odds of 9-2.
Owned by Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Tony Weintraub, and Brandon Dalinka, the roan colt was bred in England by St Albans Bloodstock LLP.
A 115,000gns Tattersalls October graduate in 2024, The Big Con was consigned by Newsells Park Stud.
As the 4-5 choice, he paid $3.60 for today’s win.
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Chris Lomon, Woodbine
Chris Lomon