AJAX DOWNS, AUGUST 23, 2021 - Two time Trials for the upcoming $60,000-added Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity attracted a total of 16 two-year-old Quarter Horses at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, August 25. The fastest 10 juveniles from the two 330-yard races, restricted to offspring of Ontario stallions, will advance to the September 13 final.
The current top two-year-old of the 2021 meeting, NIGHT LEADER, heads the second trial, race three on the eight-race card. The bay son of El Night Shift, owned by Scott Reid and John Wilson, comes off a big win in the $61,000 Ontario Bred Futurity on Aug. 4 defeating First Cold Wave and Kold Kinda Star, who are also in the second Trial on Wednesday. Night Leader, who is trained by Reid, drew post position seven in the eight-horse Trial and will be ridden again by Josh Scott.
The first Trial, is race two and a pair of fillies coming off impressive maiden victories figure to vie for favoritism. SW SNOWMAGICALLYKOOL, a grey daughter of first-year sire Maryland Magic, sped to a 1 1/4 length victory in her Ajax Downs debut on July 28 for owner Milena Kwiecien, who stands Maryland Magic at her Burlington farm. Leading trainer Jason Pascoe will saddle SW Snowmagicallykool, who drew post two, and Ismael Mosquiera will ride. Rick Crispi's MAGIC FLARE, also by Maryland Magic, also comes off a strong win, taking a maiden race on Aug. 11 for trainer Tom Dunlap. Ramiro Castillo will ride the filly from post three.
Heading into the Aug. 25 card of racing, the midway point of the 2021 season, the jockey race is a tight one. Cory Spataro has 14 wins while Ismael Mosquiera has 13 and Ramiro Castillo stands at 12. Jason Pascoe leads all trainers with 19 victories with Craig Spada in second place with 12 wins. Milena Kwiecien tops owners with 11 wins over Rick Crispi who has seven wins.
First race post time on Wednesday is 1:30 p.m. fans can pre-register to attend the races at
www.ajaxdowns.com and keep up to date on Quarter Horse racing by following Ajax Downs on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, @AjaxDowns. Off track, fans can watch and wager at
www.HPIBet.com and watch the live stream on the Ajax Downs Youtube page.
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John Wilson and Scott Reid's Night Leader heads the second of two Time Trials for the upcoming Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity. Clive Cohen photo
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