AJAX DOWNS - SNOW MOOSE left no doubt as to who is the best 3-year-old Quarter Horse at Ajax Downs, and most likely in the country, as the grey gelding powered to a half-length win in the $56,340 Ontario Bred Derby, posting an impressive 102 speed index.
Ridden by Brian Bell for owner and breeder Milena Kwiecien of Burlington, ON, Snow Moose, who won the slightly faster of two Trials for the Derby, broke like a bullet from post seven and always had his rivals measured. He held off a charming Sour Candy, who won the second Derby Trial, to take the 300-yard dash in 15.257.
Sour Candy, owned and bred by Richard Wincikaby of Orangeville, ON, was a strong second under jockey Tony Phillips with 23 to 1 longshot Eyesa Dasha Wacky, owned by Marie Broadstock, just back in third.
Ajax Downs' leading trainer Jason Pascoe conditions Snow Moose.
"He's all class, " said Bell. "He broke well, stayed with them early, pinned his ears flat back, and went on to win. It was a great race all around."
Snow Moose, by Seperate Interest from the Ajax Downs mare Favorite Pearl, was winning his second stake race in 2023 and third overall. He won the QROOI Open Derby on May 24 and completed his juvenile season in 2022 with a hard-fought win in the Alex Picov Futurity.
The Ontario Bred Derby was his fourth win in nine career races and his career earnings now stand at over $88,000.
Bell leads all Ajax Downs riders with 12 victories. Jockey Diego Benitez won two races on the afternoon for owner and trainer James Bogar. Bogar, from Cameron, ON, leads all owners with nine wins.
Racing continues at Ajax Downs next Wednesday, July 12 with a first race post time of 1:30 p.m. Ajax Downs will host its popular Craft Brewery Day on Sunday, July 16. For more information on race dates and events at Ajax Downs, visit www.ajaxdowns.com.
Ontario Bred Derby Video: Ajax Downs, July 5, 2023, Race 6
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