By Bloodhorse.com
ALBANY, CA (Nov. 11, 2018) — With a stalk-and-pounce, half-length victory in the nightcap at Golden Gate Fields November 11, Stewball Stable, Gary Oetman, and Scott Silvestri’s Big Ceas became the first winner for his sire, Northern Causeway.
Jockey Juan Hernandez guided the 9-1 Big Ceas to the win in the six-furlong maiden special weight for California-bred or -sired 2-year-olds, the gelding’s eight start for trainer Michael Lenzini. The final time was 1:10.48.
Trained by Keith Nations early on at Golden Gate, Northern Causeway moved to trainer Len Kasmerski after his third start and won the British Columbia Derby (G3) at Hastings Racecourse for the conditioner in 2011. He also won the Richmond Derby Trial Handicap at Hastings ahead of his British Columbia Derby win, and placed in the 2012 BC Premier’s Handicap (G3). A five-time winner from 30 starts, the Kentucky-bred son of Giant’s Causeway , out of the Silver Deputy mare Getaway Girl, brought in $265,367 in purse earnings during his racing career.
Northern Causeway stands at Rancho San Miguel in San Miguel, Calif. and for a 2019 fee of $2,500.
Bred in California by Rozamund Barclay, out of the Indian Charlie mare Ann’s Intuition, Big Ceas now has a 1-5-0 record and $55,941 in earnings. He was a $11,000 purchase by Oetman at the Barretts Fall Yearling and All Ages Sale in 2017.