Milena Kwicien went on a shopping spree in the last two years to bolster her Quarter Horse racing stable and it has not taken long for the Burlington horsewoman's runners to make a splash.
Following a successful 2016 season, Kwiecien's stable had a big day at Ajax Downs on July 30 when her 3-year-olds swept both Trial races for the important Adequan Derby coming up on Aug. 13.
Jason Pascoe of Pontypool, ON trains both winners.
LS Prince, a $7,000 (US) purchase from the 2016 January sale at Heritage Place in Oklahoma, fashioned a 12 to 1 upset in the first Trial and put u the quickest time for the 400 yards of :20.35 for a 90 speed index.Ridden by Julian Serrano, whoc picked up the mount from injured American rider John Romero, LS Prince (Louisiana Senator - Princess Sixarun, by Sixarun) got a clean trip and coasted to victory while several others behind him had troubled journeys.
(Photo at right - LS PRINCE posts the fastest qualifying time for the Aug. 13 Adequan Derby - New Image Media photo)
Kwicien's Champion 2-Year-Old Filly of last season, Denali Teller Off, a $1,500 purchase, finished third and also qualified for the $20,000 added final.
(Photo below - MARYLAND MAGIC skips to victory in the second Trial for the Adequan DEerby - New Image Media Photo)
In the second Trial, Kwicien's black colt Maryland Magic sped to victory under Ramiro Castillo in a time of :20.45 for his secoond twin in four starts since being purchased privately in the spring.
The son of premier American stallion PYC Paint Your Wagon - Purely Un Social, by All Mitey Dash edged another newcomer to Ajax Downs, Peves Freddy B, owned by Rick Crispi,
"We hope to make him a stud eventually," said Kwiecien, who operates Equestrious Farm with partner Glenn Young.
The Adequan Derby final winner will receive a ticket to the American final worth $180,000 on Octoober 14 at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa.
** In another flawless performance, Ontario’s reigning Horse of the Year
Country Boy 123 galloped to an easy 1 ½ length victory in the Distance Series feature race at Ajax Downs on Sunday July 30.
(Photo below - COUNTRY BOY 123 has been unchallenged in 2017 after three starts)
The big bay 4-year-old remains unbeaten in 2017 and now has his sights set on the important Bank of America Challenge which will be held on Aug. 20. Should Country Boy 123 win that race, he will earn a trip to represent Ontario in the $330,000 (US) final on Oct. 14 at Prairie Meadows racetrack in Iowa.
Country Boy 123, owned by Dr. Ruth Barbour and trained by Bryn Robertson, was ridden as usual by Cory Spataro, who was in awe of his mount’s performance.
“It was suspenseful, I was waiting for this day for more than a month now. He gives you everything every time.”
He’s got such a good head he keep it together until it’s his time to shine and that’s what makes him such a competitor.
Country Boy 123's time for 400 yards of :20.120 was good for a 96 speed index. The gelding was coming off a track record-setting win in the Picov Maturity in June.
"I think the track conditions were different today," said Spataro. "It’s really hot and the track is pretty loose and I think all the times have been pretty slow. They had to work a little harder to get through it."
Another popular winner on the super 10--race card was that by the popular 9-year-old One Kool Wave, notching his 22nd career score for owner/breeder Robert Bailey and DK Training Centre. The amazing grey defeated nine rivals in the QROOI Sprint Series worth $27,000 under his regular rider Brian Bell.
"He still acts like a 2-year-old,' said Bell. "That's what makes him so good."
Don Reid trains One Kool Wave who was the Ajax Downs Horse of the Year as a 2-year-old in 2010.
-J.M.
2017 Derby Challenge Trial Qualifiers
(Trials - Sun, July 30; Final - Sun, Aug 13)
Horse Race # Post Time Finish Trainer Jockey Owner
LS Prince 5 6 20.35 1 Pascoe Serrano Kwiecien
Maryland Magic 6 2 20.47 1 Pascoe Castillo Kwiecien
Peves Freddy B 6 6 20.57 2 Dunlap Walton Crispi
Denali Teller Off 5 5 20.63 2 Pascoe Castillo Kwiecien
Kona Corona 6 3 20.64 3 Watson Serrano Full Circle
Jewel of an Episode 6 4 20.71 4 Cunningham Gutierrez Gamez
Hickerson 5 4 20.77 3 Reid, D Jeschke Wincikaby/DK Train
Mrs First Lady 5 7 20.81 4 Reid, D Bell Wincikaby/DK Train
Coronas Chrome 6 1 20.89 5 Reid, D Bell Wincikaby/DK Train
One Dashin Rose 6 7 20.92 6 Reid, S Jeschke Boxell
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