Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity featured race today at Ajax Downs

Ten 2-year-olds sired by Ontario stallions will race for the winner’s share of the $62,190 purse of the Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity, the featured race Wednesday at Ajax Downs. The 330-yard race is the eighth and final dash on the August 17 card. First race post time is 1:30 p.m. and the Futurity is set for 4:39 p.m.

Fans will have a tough time deciding which juvenile will be their favourite in the Futurity as there are many promising youngsters in the field. Richard Wincikaby’s Firstprize Charlotte, an impressive winner of her first career start on June 15 for trainer Michelle Woodley, was heavily favoured in the Ontario Bred Futurity on July 6 but came away from the gate a bit slowly and finished fifth. Tony Phillips will ride the daughter of Dashair from post position five.

Eyesa Dasha Wacky, also by Dashair, was a close second in the Ontario Bred Futurity. The brown gelding was just edged by Silver Lyning, who is not in Wednesday’s field. Marie Broadstock owns and bred the juvenile, Don Reid trains and Ramiro Castillo rides. Eyesa Dasha Wacky drew post position seven.

Another impressive debut winner was A Shades of Cold, owned and bred by Amelie Aubut and trained by Jason Pascoe. The sorrel gelding flew to a two-length win in his July 6 opener under jockey Ismael Mosquiera who rides the son of Cold Hard Dash in the Futurity. They will start from post position eight. Another Pascoe trainee, Daz Cold, also by Cold Hard Dash, comes off his maiden victory on July 27 for owner Milena Kwiecien and he will start from post three with JB Botello riding.

*Also on Wednesday’s card are two Trials for the $50,000 Picov Derby, the final which will be run on September 4.  Princess Derby winner Eye Live For Candy will be favoured in the first Trial at 400 yards for Milena Kwiecien and trainer Jason Pascoe. John Wilson’s Ontario-bred Night Leader, second by a neck in the Ontario Bred Derby in his most recent start, is also a contender.

The second Trial for the Picov Derby is led by 2021 Horse of the Year First Cold Wave, who won the Ontario Bred Derby on July 27 for his sixth career win in 12 starts.

Admission to Ajax Downs is always free and fans can enjoy racing up close from the trackside picnic tables. You can also watch and wager on the Ajax Downs races on www.hipbet.com and the races are also live-streamed on the Ajax Downs Facebook page.

*A reminder, there is racing on Sunday, August 21 which is Ajax Downs’ popular Family Fun Day in support of the local hospital. Family Fun day begins at 10 a.m. and first race post time is 12:55 p.m.

FIELD FOR THE ONTARIO SIRES STAKES FUTURITY

Purse $62,190. For Ontario Sired (program Registered) Two Year Olds, Three Hundred And Thirty Yards.

Post/Horse/Jockey/Trainer/Odds
1 Miss Chloe Suspect Ed Walton Carol McIntyre 10/1
2 Adreamtobuildakisson Brandon Boulanger Angella Carter 4/1
3 Daz Cold JB Botello Jason Pascoe 8/1
4 Magics Dynasty Brian Bell Jason Pascoe 8/1
5 Firstprize Charlotte (ON) Tony Phillips Michelle Woodley 3/1
6 Seismick Helen Vanek Lauren Spada 10/1
7 Eyesa Dasha Wacky Ramiro Castillo Don Reid
8 A Shades of Gold Ismael Mosquiera 6/1
9 Stanair Norm DeSouza J Grice 15/1
10 Tex Dynasty Rachael Isaacs  Carol McIntyre 12/1

With files from Jennifer Morrison