Lights Dynasty enters Wednesday’s $32,805 QROOI Open Derby at Ajax Downs as the fastest qualifier and morning-line favorite after a dominant two-length trial victory established the classy sophomore as the one to beat in the 300-yard feature.

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By Stallionesearch / Louanne Wainscott

AJAX, ON–May 20, 2026—The Wednesday card at Ajax Downs will feature a seven-race program, with first post at 3:30 PM All eyes will be on the featured event in race six, the $32,805 QROOI Open Derby. The talented group of sophomores earned their spots in the May 6 trial heats, and the ten fastest qualifiers will return to battle it out at 300 yards in what promises to be an exciting showdown.

Leading the field is the fastest qualifier, Lights Dynasty, who stamped himself as the one to beat with a dominant trial performance. The gelding pulled away impressively to win by two lengths and set the top qualifying time. The classy sophomore enters the derby in sharp form after competing in three stakes races earlier this season, including a fourth-place finish in the $57,000 Alex Picov Memorial Futurity. He has earned $14,313 for owner and trainer Joe Tavares, who purchased him at the Heritage Place Sale for $13,000.

The Marfa Lights gelding, out of the FDD Dynasty mare Conspicuous, was bred in Oklahoma by Andy Knight. He will break from post eight, with Christian Benitez named to ride for the Tavares barn.

Another major contender is Open a New Corona, who secured the second-fastest qualifying time after gamely winning her trial heat. The filly has raced only three times but already appears to be developing into a serious threat. She enters the derby off her maiden-breaking effort in the trials, for owner, trainer, and breeder Joe Tavares, who purchased her at the Heritage Place Sale for $6,000.

The daughter of Open Me a Corona is out of the One Fabulous Eagle mare On a New Note and was bred in Louisiana by Brian L. Gunder. She draws the rail at post one, with J. B. Botello retaining the mount.

With several improving sophomores returning from the competitive trial heats, the QROOI Open Derby is shaping up to be one of the top attractions on the Ajax Downs card. The field is set to load into the gate for race six at approximately 5:35 PM, as the talented group looks to add their names to the growing list of Ajax Downs derby winners.

The races at Ajax Downs Park can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

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