AJAX, ONT–OCTOBER 25, 2023–Hawkin The Straw raced to his third consecutive win today when he defeated Willie Lump Lump by half-a-length in the $58,804(US) Alex Picov Memorial Futurity on the closing day card at Ajax Downs.

Under jockey Brian Bell, Hawkin The Straw raced over the 400 yards in :20.531 seconds into a 13 mph crosswind. The Picov winner's purse valued at $22,322(US) boosted the son of multiple stakes sire Bf Farm Boss' earnings total to $33,721 in six starts.

"He was really feeling good before the race," said Bell. "I had all the confidence in the world in him and once we broke from the gate, he was always in front. I was very impressed. He's one to watch for next year."

Trainer Jason Pascoe sent out the second fastest qualifier from the October 4 trials for owner-breeders Joyce and Erik Lehtinen. Hawkin The Straw was bred in Ontario from the Pappasito mare Silken Memories. After making his first three starts at Horseshoe Indiana he moved north to break his maiden at Ajax September 13.

Willie Lump Lump at 21-1 odds had a clear run under jockey Josh Scott to finish second for owners Carol and Jaime Robertson. Bryn Robertson trains the Oklahoma bred son of Big Lew from the Country Quick Dash mare Valdarama. Kelly Yother Equine LLC bred the chestnut gelding who is still a maiden from five starts. Willie Lump Lump earned $11,161(US) for this effort.

General Skywalker put in a game effort off the inside reach to finish a neck back in third. Jockey Ramiro Castillo had the riding call for trainer Bob Broadstock.  Owner-breeder Marie Broadstock bred the Look At Magics Form gelding in Ontario from the Winners Award mare Katies Award. A finalist in the Ontario Bred Futurity and Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity, General Skywalker has banked $34,199.

For Bell, 41, this was the third consecutive year the Lindsay, ON resident has won the Picov Futurity from post position 10. The victory, Bell's 26th of the meeting, clinched the rider's title by wins, QROOI points (252) and purse earnings ($269,234 US). Bell, who is closing in on 800 career victories, will spend the winter preparing young racehorses for training early in 2024.

Fastest qualifier Eye Tempt You finished fourth after bumping at the start. Sugar N Pride, Dashes Of Ivory, Snow Magically Sweet, Pretty Magicall and Fiesty Feebee completed the field.

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Azures Royalty won the first-ever Battle Of The Breeds (not black type) at Ajax Downs today, pitting Quarter Horses against Thoroughbreds.

The 5-year-old Quarter Horse son of Azure Down Three rolled to a 1-3/4 length victory over Red Maple (TB) in the $12,008(US) 870 yard Allowance.

Under jockey Neil Husbands, Azures Royalty covered the distance in :47.071 seconds into a 13 mph cross wind.

Trainer Brooke Sisson saddled the gray gelding to his fourth win 28 starts for owner Magen Finnessey.  Whispering WInz Racing bred Azures Royalty form the Relagate (TB) mare Royal Gate. He has earned $40,875.

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