The BC Cup Distaff Handicap returns to Hastings Racecourse on Monday, August 4, 2025, as Race 2 on the prestigious BC Cup Day card. This $65,000 stakes race for fillies and mares aged three and up will be run over 1 1/16 miles on dirt, showcasing some of the top female talent in Western Canadian racing. This BC Cup Distaff Handicap race analysis breaks down the contenders, pedigrees, trainers, and jockeys for bettors and racing fans.
Race Details
Race: BC Cup Distaff Handicap (Race 2)
Track: Hastings Racecourse
Date: August 4, 2025
Distance: 1 1/16 miles (1710m)
Surface: Dirt
Purse: $65,000
Post Time: 3:00 p.m. PT
Field Overview – Horses, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
| No. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree | Weight | Notes |
| 1 | Avana | Amadeo Perez | Barbara Heads | Vino Rosso – Revealing Moment | 124 lbs | Last-start winner; top weight |
| 2 | Wirly Girly | Kerron Khelawan | Pat Jarvis | Practical Joke – Platonic Love | 115 lbs | Consistent form; tactical speed |
| 3 | Matsqui | Richard Balgobin | Mark A. Freeman | Finality – Queen’s Emblem | 115 lbs | Strong in-the-money record |
| 4 | Air Force | Antonio A. Reyes | Keith Pedersen | Counterforce – Everythings a Blur | 118 lbs | Stakes winner; 90% ITM rate |
Top Contenders Breakdown
Avana
Pedigree: By Vino Rosso, out of Revealing Moment
Trainer: Barbara Heads – top stakes conditioner
Jockey: Amadeo Perez – Hastings’ leading rider
Form: 8 wins from 11 starts; 73% win rate
Strengths: Proven class, stamina, and tactical versatility
Air Force
Pedigree: By Counterforce, out of Everythings a Blur
Trainer: Keith Pedersen – excels with older mares
Jockey: Antonio Reyes – experienced stakes rider
Form: 9 wins from 20 starts; 90% in-the-money
Strengths: Track specialist with strong closing kick
Wirly Girly
Pedigree: By Practical Joke, out of Platonic Love
Trainer: Pat Jarvis – known for consistent performers
Jockey: Kerron Khelawan – aggressive gate rider
Form: 6 wins from 22 starts; 64% ITM rate
Strengths: Tactical speed and recent win
Top Pick: Avana – class edge and top connections
Value Play: Air Force – consistent and well-weighted
Longshot to Watch: Matsqui – sneaky good ITM record
Predicted Finish:
Avana
Air Force
Wirly Girly
Matsqui
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 Distaff Handicap at Hastings Racecourse is a battle of proven mares and rising stars. With Avana’s class, Air Force’s consistency, and Wirly Girly’s tactical speed, expect a thrilling stretch run. Bettors should focus on pedigree stamina, trainer stats, and handicap weights to find value.
