Horse Profile: Big Evs

Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint Scouting Report

(Editor's note: Originally published in the 2024 BRISnet Breeders' Cup International Report)

Big Evs is trying to emulate Golden Pal’s feat as a Juvenile Turf Sprint winner who follows up versus elders in the next year’s Turf Sprint. It’s a tough division for still-developing sophomores to hold their own, but Big Evs competed well at two of Britain’s major summer festivals. 

This is his last hurrah before retiring to stud in Ireland. With his precocious speed and pedigree – as a son of Blue Point and maternal grandson of European champion juvenile filly Queen’s Logic – Big Evs figures to be a popular recruit for Tally-Ho Stud, no matter what happens on Saturday. 

Trained by Mick Appleby, who also has current Juvenile Turf Sprint contender Big Mojo for the same RP Racing connections, Big Evs was workmanlike in his comeback in the May 16 Westow S. at York. He shouldered top weight of 135 pounds and beat fellow sophomores.

Big Evs was favored in the King Charles III (G1) at Royal Ascot, over the same course and distance as his breakout score in last year’s Windsor Castle S. Showing his typical early dash, he nearly lasted the stiff five furlongs, but got run down late by Australian mare Asfoora and Regional, both racing more on the near side. 

The rematch was on in the King George (G2) at Glorious Goodwood, the scene of his Molecomb (G3) score from a year ago, and Big Evs gained revenge. The combination of a much sharper course, Asfoora’s slightly greater weight concession, and her spot of inconvenience all helped Big Evs to keep his head in front. The reliable yardstick known as Believing was third.

Keeping to a familiar itinerary, Big Evs tried the Nunthorpe (G1) for the second straight year, and again he faded in his worst race of the season. He was marginally better in eighth this time, as opposed to 14th as a two-year-old trying elders. Although he was drawn on the wrong side, so was Believing, who at least closed for second to the better-drawn Bradsell. 

For whatever reason, the Nunthorpe just hasn’t been his race. That didn’t stop Big Evs from rebounding in grand style last year in the Flying Childers (G2) and working out the perfect tracking trip at Santa Anita. 

This year, Big Evs comes in fresh, without a run in between. Note that Makarova, who was just one spot ahead of him in seventh in the Nunthorpe, went on to upset Bradsell in the Prix de l’Abbaye (G1).