In front of a large and boisterous Father's Day crowd at Ajax Downs, SHES SIZZLING, owned by Joyce and Erik Lehtinen of Uxbridge, ON, won a thrilling renewal of the $55,700 Ontario Bred Derby on Sunday.
The Derby highlighted an afternoon in which fanswon a free riding lesson from jockey Corrine Androsat her Royal Canadian Riding Academy in Newmarket (awarded to on-track fans with a program whenever Andros wins a race), a free burger from the popular McCoy Burger Company (when any jockey wins two races) and saw a track record set for the 110-yard Gridiron Gallop.
In the Ontario Bred Derby, She's Sizzling, ridden by Ramiro Castillo, overtook even-money favourite Five Bar Fandango and then held off a late charge by Shake It Twice to win by a determined neck. The 3-year-old daughter of Sizzlin Cartel raced 300 yards in :15.470 for a 95 Speed Index, earning her first stakes victory.
"I have worked with this filly and the Lehtinens for about two months," said Castillo. "She was very focused today and she was just perfect."
Shake It Twice, ridden by Cory Spataro, was making just her second start of 2019 for owner and breeder Chantelle Bourgeois, and was half a length ahead of Five Bar Fandango, owned by Carol and Jaime Robertson, for second.
Earlier in the afternoon, CARNEROS set a track record in the 110-yard Gridiron Gallop Sprint series, stopping the clock in :6.77, beating a nine-year-old track record of 6:82 set by champion One Kool Wave. Carneros is owned by Milena Kwiecien of Burlington, On and trained by Jason Pascoe. The 4-year-old was ridden by Ed Walton.
Ajax Downs' 50th anniversary season continues Sunday, June 23 with the next installment of the "10 days of Giveaways" promotion for a chance to win one of four $50 betting vouchers plus more chances for fans to win a free McCoy Burger and a riding lesson from jockey Corrine Andros. On-track, the 2-year-olds will be featured in the trials for the Ontario Bred Futurity.
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(Photo - SHES SIZZLING (6) wins the $55,700 Ontario Bred Derby in front of a huge crowd on Father's Day at Ajax Downs, June 16)
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