AJAX DOWNS, MAY 29, 2024 - A big crowd at Ajax Downs on Wednesday was treated to a thrilling finish in the $13,000 Battle of the Breeds as the Quarter Horse mare JESS A DEAL held on to win by a neck over Had to Be Relentless, another Quarter Horse, with the lone Thoroughbred, Silver Candice a closing third.
The longest shot in the field at 8 to 1, Jess a Deal and jockey Ramiro Castillo quickly sped to the lead early in the 770-yard race while favoured Silver Candice, a Thoroughbred trained by Fort Erie's leading trainer Julie Mathes, chased in third. Turning for home, Jess a Deal continued to lead while Silver Candice rallied three wide and Had to Be Relentless finishing fast up the rail. At the finish, Jess a Deal held on to win by a neck in a track record time of 41.150. The 8-year-old mare, owned by the Picov Cattle Company and Marie Broadstock, is trained by Bob Broadstock. She paid $19.30 to win.
This was the third Battle of the Breeds and the second edition this year. The result put the Quarter Horses up 2 to 1 since the series began last fall. Jess a Deal finished second to the Thoroughbred Summer Retreat in the most recent BOTB on May 15 after breaking slowly from the gate.
"Last time we had a bit of a problem at the gate, she wasn't paying attention," said Castillo, who won two races in the afternoon. "I know this mare though, she breaks good. She did it easy today, I just wanted to keep her speed down to save for the finish."
Broadstock, who trains his horses on his farm in Nestleton, ON, said he has been concentrating Jess a Deal's training this year on the Battle of the Breeds series. "She likes the distance and we have been focussing on going around a turn with her this year."
The Broadstocks and Picov family purchased the Texas bred Jess a Deal following her first five career races. The daughter of Dealagame has nine career wins from 42 starts including the first 'hook' (around a turn) race at Ajax Downs, held in 2021.
"The Battle of the Breeds races are exciting and I think the fans love it," said Broadstock. "Hopefully we can continue to have more of these races this year."
Another upset on the day was the win by SHINE RUNNERR and jockey Cassandra Jeschke in in fourth race. Jeschke got the Ontario bred gelding away from the gate in fast order and the pair won easily for owner, trainer and breeder Amanda McCormack. Shine Runnerr paid $14.90 to win.
Racing continues next Wednesday, June 7, with a first race post time of 1:30 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. Do you have a group or company event? Call ahead to reserve the trackside VIP room to enjoy food, drink and mutuels.
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