StallioneSearch.com

AJAX, ONT–SEPTEMBER 1, 2024–The $28,845 (US) Ontario Sires Stakes Maturity came down to mere inches between last year's reigning champion, First Cold Wave, and Pretty Runaway, who placed second in the 330-yard stakes in 2022.

It was a true photo finish between Pretty Runaway and First Cold Wave, but it won the nod by a nose. According to her rider, Tony Phillips, it was too close for comfort.

"I didn't like it; there was only a two-inch gap. But she got it done. She's pretty straightforward. When she's ready to run, she's ready."

First Cold Wave and jockey Brian Bell placed second with A Shades Of Cold, piloted by J. Botello, crossing the wire 3/4-lengths behind the pair for a close third.

Sent off at 5-1 odds, Pretty Runaway clocked an 87-speed index in 17.187 seconds. The slight upset paid $13.80 on a $2.00 wager.

Phillips took a break from riding Pretty Runaway for some time, and today's victory was his first time aboard her since May of last year. "I've been riding her since she was a baby. I just got her back, reunited with her, and we got the job done."

"Pretty" was interviewed with her groomer, Autumn Purdy, on the Kelly Clarkson show. She has been at Bogar Farms for about four years and, every morning, would start head-banging to heavy metal music when the staff was working their daily chores in the barn. She would stop when they changed it to any other kind of music. Her head-banging antics have become a viral sensation on the social media network.

Phillips commented, "She was head-banging in the paddock before the race. When you see her like that, she's on her game, and she's ready to go." He went on to say, "We had an excellent warm-up. She was head-banging in the gate, and I was like, woah. She actually head-banged right out of the gate."

Pretty Runaway has lit the board 19 of 30 starts, and today's $12,275 victory earnings increased her bankroll to $107,372. The Ontario Sires Stakes Maturity is her second stakes victory. The first was in her second career out in 2019 in the Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity. She has placed or was a finalist in five other stakes races.

Bred in Ontario by Heste Sports Inc., James Bogar owns and trains the daughter of the Winners Award. The seven-year-old sorrel mare is out of Pretty Jane Perry by Pretty Boy Perry.

Leading trainer Jason Pascoe saddled runner-up First Cold Wave for owner-breeder Robert Bailey. He is out of the Wave Carver mare Cassies Carver.

The five-year-old son of Cold Hard Dash has a record of 8-9-3 from 28 starts and $173,320 in the bank. In addition to last year's Ontario Sires Stakes Maturity victory, First Cold Wave also won the Ontario Bred Derby, Alex Picov Memorial Futurity, and Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity earlier in his career.

Pascoe also trained third-place finisher A Shades Of Cold for owner-breeder Amelie Aubut. The four-year-old son of Cold Hard Dash has five career wins with $61,477 in earnings. He is out of Sassy Shades Of Gray by Fire Finder.

The remaining order of finish is Hanover Hill Theresa, Im Aquick Corona, Shake and Firstprize Charlotte.

*********************

Racing resumes at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, September 11. For the remainder of the year, racing will be held on Wednesdays through October 30, except for Thanksgiving Monday, October 14.

To reserve the VIP room for your next event, party, or meeting, contact Ajax Downs at 905-686-8001. For information on becoming a Quarter Horse owner, call the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at 905-426-7050. The First Line Racing Syndicate welcomes all new owners.