Ontario Sires Stakes Trials on tap at Ajax Downs

The racing action will be fast and furious at Ajax Downs on Wednesday with two Trials for the Ontario Sires Stakes Derby for 3-year-olds. Also on the eight-race card of Quarter Horse racing is the third leg of the Sprint Series with some of the track’s top older horses.

The jockey race for year-end honours continues to be a great battle as well with just five racing dates remaining in the 2023 season. JB Botello has 197 QROOI points and is just ahead of Ramiro Castillo, with 193 and Brian Bell with 188. Bell is the leading rider by wins this year with 20.

Wednesday is a big day for owner and trainer Peggy Burne of Stouffville as she starts her first horse in a stakes race Trial. Speedy Country Mouse, a daughter of Mr. Jess Tex, is in the first of two Trials, race 5, for the OSS Derby, and the 10 fastest qualifiers advance to the $55,000-added final on October 18.

Bred by the late Gloria Egerton, Speedy Country Mouse has won two of her eight career races and just about won her most recent start on Aug. 16 when she was second by a neck.

“Mouse is a gritty little horse who always gives her all,” said Burne, who is assisted by her nephew Carl Callahan on race days. “We know she will definitely try.” Each time Burne races a horse at Ajax Downs, she is backed by a cheering section that includes her daughter Debbie, Egerton’s daughter Kelly, and many of Callahan’s family members.

Speedy Country Mouse, who will have her regular rider Cassandra Jeschke aboard, takes on stakes winner FirstPrizeCharlotte and four others in her Trial.

The second OSS Trial, race 6, includes recent winner Adreamtobuildakisson, owned and trained by Angelle Carter and ridden by Ismael Mosquiera and Big Dog Racing’s Tex Dynasty, who is trained by Carol McIntyre and will be ridden by Alexis Sanchez.

First race post time on Wednesday is 12:55 p.m.  Admission and parking a free and fans can watch and wager on the races from trackside tables or bet through www.HPIBET.com.

A free downloadable pocket program is available at www.ajaxdowns.com

With files from Jennifer Morrison