Sour Candy scores sweet victory in Bonus Futurity at Ajax Downs

The powerful army of Michelle Woodley-trained 2-year-olds continued its march on Wednesday, September 14 at Ajax Downs as Sour Candy charged to a one-length victory in the $27,585 QROOI Bonus Futurity at 300 yards.

Sour Candy, an Ontario-bred chestnut gelding, was sent off the heavy favourite at 4 to 5 in the field of nine with jockey Tony Phillips riding. The pair broke smartly from post position three and dueled Maximize, one of five entrants in the field for leading trainer Jason Pascoe. Sour Candy edged clear in deep stretch as A Shades of Cold started his rally under Ismael Moquiera but Sour Candy and Phillips safely held on for the victory. A Shades of Cold, an Ontario-bred owned by Amelia Aubut was second with Maximize, owned by Belinda Taggart, finished third.

The time was 15.770 for an 82 speed index.

“When I saw him in the paddock, I said ‘wow'”, said Phillips, who was riding Sour Candy for the first time. “He looked the part, he’s well built and when he was warming up I could feel he was going to leave the gate first.”

It was the second win in as many starts for Sour Candy, who is owned and was bred by Richard and Linda Wincikaby of New Liskeard.  The 2-year-old by Jess Good Candy won his career debut in a Trial for the Ontario Bred Futurity on June 15 but did not compete in the final.

“He won his Trial and we had five qualifying 2-year-olds back in the final so we decide to put him away for a little bit,” said Woodley. “We wanted to have him sharp and happy for this race and hopefully the Alex Picov Futurity next month. He’s just growing and maturing.”

Woodley, whose own filly Silver Lynning won the Ontario Bred Futurity, also sent out Firstprize Charlotte, also owned by Wincikaby to win the Ontario Sired Futurity for 2-year-olds in August.

Quarter Horse racing continues at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, with a first race post time of 12:55 p.m. Follow Ajax Downs on social media at www.ajaxdowns.com.

With files from Jennifer Morrison