Ever Dangerous Delivers at 74-1 in Bryan Station Stakes
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Photo: Keeneland/Coady Photography
Ever Dangerous wins the Bryan Station Stakes at Keeneland
A few days of disappointment for co-owner Randy Hill and trainer George Weaver, caused when Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) prospect Vekoma needed to be scratched due to a fever, was met with elation during the undercard of the first of two Breeders' Cup days Nov. 6 at Keeneland.
Hill and Reeves Thoroughbred Racing's Ever Dangerous lit up the tote board at odds of 74-1 by winning the $150,000 Bryan Station Stakes, setting off a jubilant celebration from Hill, who watched trackside. Mutuel backers of the 3-year-old son of Kitten's Joy had a right to feel almost as good—he paid $150.60 for a $2 win wager.
Hill, who races as R. A. Hill Stable, campaigned Vekoma with Gatsas Stables. Vekoma will stand at stud next year at Spendthrift Farm. "He'll be leaving for Spendthrift to start his new career tomorrow," Hill said.
Ever Dangerous lived up to his name in the Bryan Station, securing victory despite a tricky draw in post 14. Just getting into the starting gate required some luck. Originally an also-eligible, he needed two scratches to draw into the field.
Once the Bryan Station began, he made his own good fortune under Javier Castellano. He settled into a comfortable stalking position, advanced three wide on the second turn, and closed down the stretch to catch the speedy Fancy Liquor and win by a half-length.
"He trained like a stakes horse and he ran like a claiming horse," Hill said. "It seemed like in his last race, the light bulb finally came on. I thought if he improved, he could be right there. Javier rode a masterful ride."
(L-R): Dean Reeves and Randy Hill lead Ever Dangerous into the winner's circle
Bye Bye Melvin ran third, followed by Pixelate in fourth. Reconvene and Ajourneytofreedom finished in a dead heat for fifth in the field of 14. Just a length separated first through fourth.
Taishan, Don Juan Kitten, No Word, Angelus Warrior, Spanish Kingdom, Enforceable, Mo Ready, and Fighting Seabee completed the order of finish.
A $135,000 purchase by Reeves Thoroughbred Racing at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale from the Lane's End consignment, Ever Dangerous is the lone winner from two foals to race from the dual-winning Rahy mare The Rahy Angel. Bred in Kentucky by Knowles Bloodstock, he raced 1 1/8 miles on a good turf course in 1:48.74.