Queen Charlotte, under jockey Brian Bell, won the $22,154(US) Princess Maturity at Ajax Downs on Wednesday.

© Clive Cohen / New Image Media

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

AJAX, ONT—AUGUST 13, 2025—Favored Queen Charlotte lived up to expectations in Wednesday's $22,154(US) Princess Maturity at Ajax Downs, powering to victory over Relentless Betty and Jess a Deal in the 400-yard feature for fillies and mares aged four and up.

The 5-year-old bay mare stopped the clock in 20.308 seconds, earning a speed index of 89, while battling a crosswind of 5 mph on a fast track. It was her second consecutive Princess Maturity victory. She won last season's version during a four-race win streak that included the Alex Pico Memorial Championship, propelling her to Horse of the Year honors.

Breaking sharply from post two under jockey Brian Bell, Queen Charlotte showed her class from the outset, edging ahead early and holding firm through the stretch to win by 1½ lengths for owner-trainer-breeder James Bogar of Ontario.

Queen Charlotte's connections accept the Princess Maturity winning trophy at Ajax Downs on Wednesday.
© Clive Cohen / New Image Media

"We had a little luck on our side," said Bogar of Cameron, ON, "But it was great to see her come back in her first race and do well, and her sister also do well."

Bell said Queen Charlotte had trained well at Bogar's farm this summer. "I expected a good effort from her. I just wasn't sure if she would be fit enough, but she was just awesome."

The daughter of multiple stakes sire One Fabulous Eagle out of Leanintoit by Tres Seis collected $8,951(US) for the victory, pushing her career earnings to $75,613.

Bogar also bred the runner-up, Relentless Betty, a 4-year-old filly by champion  Hes Relentless out of Leanintoit, who closed strongly under jockey Tony Phillips to secure second and the $4,476(US) runner-up share. The loss to her half-sister snapped a six-race win streak that began in October of 2024.

Third-place finisher Jess A Deal, a multiple stakes-placed 9-year-old sorrel mare by Dealagame out of Jess Marcy by Mr Jess Perry, was piloted by Ramiro Castillo for owners Marie Broadstock and Picov Cattle Co. and trainer B. Broadstock.

Bred in Texas by Pete A. Scarmardo, Jess A Deal was a 2019 Heritage Place Winter Mixed Sale graduate, purchased for $11,000. She earned $2,238(US) for the show placing, finishing a nose ahead of the fourth-place runner after needing more ground late.

In the order of finish, the field consisted of Queen Charlotte (1st), Relentless Betty (2nd), Jess a Deal (3rd), Expediant (4th), Sweet Kara (5th), Junoimzoomin (6th), A Fancy Arrangement (7th), and Special Spice (8th).

Queen Charlotte returned $3.70 to win, $2.20 to place, and $2.10 to show. Relentless Betty paid $2.80 to place and $2.50 to show, while Jess A Deal returned $2.60 to show.

Queen Charlotte’s victory continued her consistent form and marked another stakes triumph for Bogar, who enjoyed a sweep of the top two spots in this year’s Princess Maturity.

One day shy of his birthday, Brian Bell won three races on Wednesday, including one on another sibling of Queen Charlotte, Leaninto This Moment, a 3-year-old colt who broke his maiden in race 4.

Racing continues at Ajax Downs next WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, with a first race post time of 1:45 p.m. The popular FAMILY FUN DAY is on Sunday, August 24.

Admission and parking are always free at Ajax Downs. At our picnic tables, you can watch and wager on our exciting races trackside, up close to the action. To reserve tables in advance for $25 or book the VIP room for your party or group, contact www.ajaxdowns.com.
There is also an expansive simulcast wagering room with tellers, or you can wager through www.HPIBet.com.
 

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