Chillin With Peeps, the 5-2 morning line favorite, returns to action in Wednesday’s QROOI Open Derby trials at Ajax Downs.

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By Stallionesearch / Louanne Wainscott
 

AJAX, ON–May 4, 2026—The Wednesday afternoon card at Ajax Downs is set to deliver a compelling mix of speed and stakes as a nine-race program begins at 3:30 PM, highlighted by eighteen sophomores competing across three trial heats for the QROOI Open Derby. With a berth in the $30,000-added final on the line, every stride will matter as these three-year-olds race 300 yards in pursuit of a spot among the ten fastest qualifiers returning on May 21.

The trials will unfold in races four through six, beginning with the first heat scheduled for approximately 4:45 PM. Trainers Jason Pascoe and Joe Tavares dominate the entries, each sending out six contenders, two in each trial, setting up a powerful showdown between two of the circuit’s most prominent barns.

All eyes, however, will be fixed on race five, the second trial heat, where Chillin With Peeps enters as the 5-2 morning line favorite. The lightly raced filly was flawless during her two-year-old season, capping her campaign with an impressive victory in the $40,686 Alex Picov Memorial Futurity.

Carrying both momentum and expectation into her sophomore debut, she represents a rare trifecta for Chantelle Bourgeois, who bred, owns, and trains the Ontario-bred daughter of Rushago out of Shake It Twice. From post five, jockey Cassandra Jeschke will look to keep her unbeaten record intact against a field eager to test her dominance.

The third and final trial heat in race six brings another serious contender to the forefront in Lights Dynasty, listed at 3-1 on the morning line. The colt showed promise in limited action as a juvenile, breaking his maiden convincingly before finishing second behind Chillin With Peeps in the Alex Picov Memorial Futurity.

Now returning with added maturity, he looks poised to challenge for top honors. Owned and trained by Joe Tavares, Lights Dynasty was acquired for $13,000 at the Heritage Place Yearling Sale and is sired by The Marfa Lights out of the Fdd Dynasty mare Conspicuous. Jockey Cristian Benitez will guide him from post four as he looks to turn the tables on his familiar rival.

Supporting the featured trials, the afternoon will also include two competitive undercard events, the $13,000 Battle of the Breeds and the $10,000 Gridiron Gallop, adding further depth to an already stacked program.

With a blend of proven stakes form, emerging talent, and powerhouse stables, the QROOI Open Derby Trials promise a high-energy showcase of Ontario’s top sophomore sprinters. As the clock becomes the ultimate judge, only the fastest will advance, setting the stage for a thrilling final later this month.

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