AJAX DOWN, AUGUST 21, 2024 - She may be little but FIRST FOR YOU scampered away at 12 to 1 to win the fastest of two Trials for the $55,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity for 2-year-olds at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
Owned by Craig Spada and Rick Crispi, First for You broke fast from the gate at the outset of the 330-yard dash and held off heavily favoured Elvis the Famous to win by 1 1/4 lengths in a time of 17.593 for a 75 speed index. Lauren Spada trains the Ontario bred by the exciting, young stallion Peighnt Your Fate. Alexis Sanchez rode First for You to victory and it was her first win in her fourth career race. Elvis the Famous, winner of the Ontario bred Futurity in his last start, held second over The Batmann.
First for You paid $26.20 to win.
The other Trial winner, Niigaanii, owned and bred by Sarah Wincikaby of Alliston, scored by half a length in a time of 17.714 for a 72 speed index. The black gelding, also by the sire Peighnt Your Fate, was coming off his first career victory for trainer John McInerney and was ridden by Tony Phillips.
"There were other horses in the race coming into the race with better times than my horse," said Phillips. "He's still learning and he was a little bit green in those first two races."
The 10 fastest times from the two Trials will advance to the final of the Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity which will be held on Sept. 11.
The sixth edition of BATTLE OF THE BREEDS pitting Quarter Horses versus Thoroughbreds, kickstarted an action-packed afternoon at Ajax Downs and it was Robin Voyce's SEA TO AIR, a Thoroughbred, who won the 870-yard race around a turn, over another Thoroughbred, Red Maple. Trained by Jeff Voyce, Sea to Air under Josh Scott completed a rarity as it was his third win over a third different Ontario track this year.
Sea to Air also set a track record for the distance, stopping the clock in 46.744, a track record.
"He just ran so well in his last race at Fort Erie,' said Robin Voyce. "He had some time off at the farm when this race came up and we thought we would give it a shot."
Sea to Air's win allowed Thoroughbreds to tie the score with Quarter Horses in the Battle of the Breeds at 3 wins apiece.
FEATURED PHOTO: First for You is by Peighnt Your Fate, whose offspring won both Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity Trials on Aug. 21 at Ajax Downs. (New Image Media Photo)
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