The BC Cup Sir Winston Churchill Derby Trial Handicap is the marquee prep race for the British Columbia Derby, run as Race 5 on BC Cup Day, Monday, August 4, 2025, at Hastings Racecourse. This $50,000 stakes event for three-year-olds over 1 1/16 miles on dirt features a competitive field of rising stars, many with stakes experience and strong pedigrees. This Derby Trial race analysis breaks down each contender’s form, connections, and breeding to help bettors and fans make informed picks.
Race Details
Race: BC Cup Sir Winston Churchill Derby Trial Handicap (Race 5)
Track: Hastings Racecourse
Date: August 4, 2025
Distance: 1 1/16 miles (1710m)
Surface: Dirt
Purse: $50,000
Post Time: 4:30 p.m. PT
Field Overview – Horses, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
| No. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree | Career Record | Notes |
| 1 | Mount Doom | Antonio Reyes | Steve Henson | Bakken – A Song for Arbonne | 8: 5-2-0 | Multiple stakes wins; 63% win rate |
| 2 | Makena’s Joy | Ridge Balgobin | Demetris Topouzis | Lent – Ready Recall | 7: 2-1-2 | Won last start; improving form |
| 3 | Kyalam | Richard Balgobin | Mark A. Freeman | Lent – Curlin’s Prize | 4: 1-1-1 | Strong pedigree; consistent |
| 4 | Rondelito | Kimal Santo | Steve Henson | Lent – Vandelita | 7: 3-0-1 | Three straight wins; top form |
| 5 | Accidental Genius | Jose Asencio | Tim Rycroft | I’ll Have Another – Radish | 12: 2-2-3 | Stakes-placed; versatile |
| 6 | Counter Cat | Amadeo Perez | Keith Pedersen | Counterforce – I Believe in Angel | 8: 1-4-1 | Broke maiden last out; improving |
Top Contenders Breakdown
Mount Doom
Pedigree: By Bakken, out of A Song for Arbonne
Trainer: Steve Henson – top stakes conditioner
Jockey: Antonio Reyes – experienced in route stakes
Form: 5 wins from 8 starts; 88% in-the-money
Strengths: Proven class, tactical speed, and track record
Rondelito
Pedigree: By Lent, out of Vandelita
Trainer: Steve Henson – also trains Mount Doom
Jockey: Kimal Santo – strong recent form
Form: 3 consecutive wins; peaking at the right time
Strengths: Versatile running style and stamina
Counter Cat
Pedigree: By Counterforce, out of I Believe in Angel
Trainer: Keith Pedersen – excels with late bloomers
Jockey: Amadeo Perez – Hastings’ leading rider
Form: 75% in-the-money; broke maiden last start
Strengths: Improving form and pedigree for distance
Top Pick: Mount Doom – stakes experience and elite record
Value Play: Rondelito – red-hot form and strong connections
Longshot to Watch: Counter Cat – late bloomer with upside
Predicted Finish:
Mount Doom
Rondelito
Counter Cat
Makena’s Joy
Accidental Genius
Kyalam
How to Watch & Bet
Live Stream: HastingsRacecourse.com or YouTube Live
Wagering Options: Win, Place, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta
Track Conditions: Dirt, fast
Final Thoughts
The BC Cup Sir Winston Churchill Derby Trial Handicap at Hastings Racecourse is a key stepping stone to the British Columbia Derby. With Mount Doom’s stakes credentials, Rondelito’s winning streak, and Counter Cat’s improving form, this race promises a thrilling stretch battle. Bettors should focus on pedigree stamina, trainer stats, and recent form cycles to find value.
