Had To Be Fabulous, under jockey Eluid Mosqueira, posted the fastest time from two trials today at Ajax Downs for the $50,000-added (CAN) Norman Picov Derby.

© Clive Cohen / New Image Media

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

AJAX, ONT—AUGUST 24, 2025—Had To Be Fabulous delivered a powerful late surge to set the fastest qualifying time during Sunday’s Norman Picov Derby trials at Ajax Downs.

The $50,000-added (CAN) final for 3-year-olds, run at 400 yards, is set for Wednesday, September 10, 2025, and will feature the 10 fastest qualifiers from today’s two trials.

Racing in the second trial under jockey Ismael Eluid Mosqueira, Had To Be Fabulous covered the distance in 20.303 seconds, earning a 89 speed index to lead all qualifiers.

The multiple stakes winning filly is by One Fabulous Eagle, out of Had To Be Fandango by Hadtobenuts, and is owned and bred by Carol and Jaime Robertson of Ontario. Bryn Robertson trains her.

The bay filly picked up her eighth consecutive win, including the Princess Derby, Ontario Bred Derby, QROOI Open Derby, and last year's Alex Picov Memorial Futurity. With 11 wins in 12 starts, she has earned $102,967.

Last year’s Ontario-bred standout showed class and determination in today’s heat, defeating Kissin Ella by three-quarters of a length to secure her spot atop the leaderboard.

The second-fastest qualifier came from the first trial, where Last Cold Bud battled gamely to prevail by a nose under jockey Cristian Benitez. The bay gelding posted a time of 20.385 seconds with an 87 speed index.

Sired by Cold Hard Dash and out of One Kool Bud by Strawflyin Buds, Last Cold Bud is owned and bred by Belinda Taggart of Ontario and trained by Scott Reid.

Second in the Ajax Stallion Auction Futurity and a finalist on the Ontario Sires Futurity at 2, Last Cold Blood has three wins in 11 starts and has earned $31,413.

The Norman Picov Derby, to be contested at 400 yards, will carry a $50,000-added (CAN) purse. CLICK HERE for finalists with times, breeding, and connections.

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