Copilot Fastest Qualifier to $55,000 Picov Derby at Ajax Downs

Copilot turned in the fastest qualifying time on Wednesday at Ajax Downs, stopping the timer in 20.335 for 400 yards to lead the 10 qualifiers into the $55,000(CAN)-added Picov Derby final on September 19.

The 3-year-old gelding won the first trial by one length over Open A New Corona. Breaking second under jockey Helen Marie Vanek, Copilot quickly took command and proved best through the wire with a 9 mph tailwind.

Owned by John S. Wilson and trained by Scott Reid, Copilot was bred in Oklahoma by Double A Ranch. The sorrel gelding is by multiple stakes sire Paint My Pilot from the Mr Jess Perry mare My Lady Jessie. He was a $9,000 purchase at the 2025 Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale.

Copilot has now won five of eight career starts with one second and one third and earnings of $31,046. His five victories include the QROOI Open Derby in May.

Open A New Corona posted the second-fastest qualifying time of 20.474 after finishing second in the first trial. With Brian Bell aboard, the filly chased Copilot throughout but was unable to reel in the winner.

Joe Tavares owns and trains Open A New Corona, a Louisiana-bred daughter of champion Open Me A Corona from the One Fabulous Eagle mare On A New Note. Brian L. Gunder bred the filly, who was a $6,500 purchase at the 2025 Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale.

Open A New Corona has compiled a record of three wins and three seconds from eight starts while earning $29,248. She entered Wednesday's trials off a victory in the Princess Derby and was runner-up in the QROOI Open Derby earlier this season.

My Royal Swinger secured the third-fastest qualifying time when he won the second trial in 20.491 under jockey Corry Beland. The 3-year-old gelding got up in the final jump to defeat Agent Ice by a head.

Owned and trained by Joe Tavares, My Royal Swinger was bred in Indiana by Brian and Lane Gunder. The bay gelding is by My Royal Wagon from the Swingin Jess mare Game Swinger. He was purchased for $4,500 at the 2025 Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale.

My Royal Swinger extended his winning streak to five consecutive races with Wednesday's victory. He has won five of eight career starts and earned $23,759.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of qualifiers with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, and jockeys.

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