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AJAX, ONT–AUGUST 21, 2024–First For You broke her maiden in impressive fashion on Wednesday when she posted the fastest qualifying time for the Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity Wednesday afternoon at Ajax Downs.

The 10 fastest qualifiers from two trials will return to Ajax Downs on Wednesday, September 11, to vie for the winner's share of a $55,000(CAN)-added purse going 330 yards.

Under jockey Alexis Sanchez at odds of 13-1, First For You raced over the 330 yards in 17.593 seconds, into an 11 mph headwind, to establish the fastest qualifying time.

Trainer Lauren Spada saddled bay filly to her first win four starts for owners Craig Spada and Rick Crispi. Fourth in the Ontario-Bred Futurity in her last start, the daughter of Peighnt Your Fate was bred by Richard Wincikaby from the multiple stakes-winning Corona Cartel mare First Down The Track.

Niigaanii, also a 2-year-old by Peighnt Your Fate, posted a half-length win under jockey Tony Phillips in the opening trial to record the second-fastest clocking of 17.714 seconds into an 11 mph headwind.

"There were other horses in the race coming into the race with better times than my horse," said Phillips. "He's still learning and he was a little bit green in those first two races."

Starting off a maiden win on July 31, Niigaanii races for owner-breeder Sarah Wincikaby, who John McInerney trains. Out of the Heza Fast Dash mare Sheza Fat Mom, Niigaanii was a finalist in the Ajax Stallion Auction Futurity and QROOI Bonus Futurity earlier this year. She has earned $11,286.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity qualifiers with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers, and jockeys.

Battle Of the Breeds

The sixth edition of Battle Of the Breeds, pitting Quarter Horses versus Thoroughbreds, kickstarted an action-packed afternoon at Ajax Downs, and it was Robin Voyce's SEA TO AIR, a Thoroughbred, who won the 870-yard race around a turn, over another Thoroughbred, Red Maple. Trained by Jeff Voyce, Sea to Air under Josh Scott completed a rarity as it was his third win over a third different Ontario track this year.

Sea to Air also set a track record for the distance, stopping the clock in 46.744, a track record.

"He just ran so well in his last race at Fort Erie," said Robin Voyce. "He had some time off at the farm when this race came up and we thought we would give it a shot." Sea to Air's win allowed Thoroughbreds to tie the score with Quarter Horses in the Battle of the Breeds at 3 wins apiece. REMINDER: Ajax Downs hosts the popular FAMILY FUN Day this Sunday, Aug. 25 with a first race post time of 12:55 p.m. There will be a petting zoo, games, prizes, entertainment and much more with proceeds going to the Ajax Pickering Hospital.

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Parking and admission are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on the race's trackside or from the expansive simulcast room. Wagering is also available through www.HPIBET.com. Do you have a group or company event? Call ahead to reserve the trackside VIP room to enjoy food, drink, and mutuals. Want to get involved in Quarter Horse ownership? Contact the QROOI at 905 - 426-7050 for details.

You can follow Ajax Downs on social media @AjaxDowns and visit our website, www.AjaxDowns.com, for news, track programs, and more information.