AJAX DOWNS, OCTOBER 3, 2024 - The longshots rolled in at AJAX DOWNS on October 2 setting up some nice payoffs for the surprise winners. Only two favourites won on the seven-race Quarter Horse card.
JJJOHNNYPOPPER started the sunny afternoon with an 8 to 1 upset of race one resulting in a $19.00 payout for a $2 win bet. The 2-year-old gelding was the first winner this season for owner, trainer, and breeder Dan Stevenson of Orangeville and jockey Norm DeSouza.
"A Johnny Popper is what the farmers in the 1930s and 40s called the two-cylinder John Deere tractor," said Stevenson about naming his homebred son of El Night Shift.
Jjjohnnypopper mowed down his rivals to win by an impressive 1 3/4 lengths in a time of 13.749 for 250 yards.
One race later, UPANDOVER and jockey Rachael Isaacs flew past the favourites to win race two, also at 8 to 1, paying $19.50 to his backers. Upandover, owned and trained by Joe Tavares, was making just his third start of the year. "He had a pep in his step," said Isaacs. "He's a very chill and relaxed horse most of the time but today he was feeling fresh."
Jockey Isaacs won two races on Wednesday to bring her total for the year to 11 victories, her best season as a rider in just her fourth year.
Quarter Horse Racing continues next Wednesday, October 9, with the running of the prestigious ALEX PICOV MEMORIAL CHAMPIONSHIP featuring champions SNOW MOOSE and HAD TO BE IVORY. First race post time is 12:55 p.m.
Parking and admission are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on the races trackside or from the expansive simulcast room. Wagering is also available through www.HPIBET.com.
FEATURED PHOTO: Jjjohnnypopper and Norm DeSouza win the first race at Ajax Downs on Oct. 2 paying $19.00 to win - JM photo
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