Plenty of drama in Alex Picov Futurity Trials

Jockey Tony Phillips was fairly certain he had won the photo finish aboard IMPERIAL MIRACLE in the second Trial for the Alex Picov Futurity at Ajax Downs on September 30. Corry Beland, aboard BAREF HURRICANE RUSH, wasn't sure if they held on at the end of the testing 400-yard dash.
After several minutes, the race was deemed a dead heat by the stewards, adding to what should be an intriguing Picov Futurity final on Oct. 21.

The first Picov Futurity Trial was won by the heavily favoured HAD TO BE VALIANT, a filly owned and bred by Carol and Jaime Roberston who remained undefeated from three races.

"I don't know how that happened," said Phillips about his race on James Bogar's Imperial Miracle. "I thought I won clear." Imperial Miracle, third in her first career start in early August, is a towering, black filly by the Thoroughbred millionaire Imperial Hint and she was closing fast on Baref Hurricane Rush, who was coasting on the lead.

"She's gotten better every race," said Beland, who is in his first year of riding. "Maybe we'll have to stick out our tongue out at the wire next time."

Baref Hurricane Rush is a homebred for Earl Foster and she is trained by Cory Illman. Coincidentally, Cory and Corry were involved in a dead heat the previous week with Runaway Sugarman,
The time of the Imperial Miracle/Baref Hurricane Rush Futurity Trial was 20.633 for an 82 speed index, slightly faster than the time clocked by Had to Be Valiant.

A winner of the Ontario Bred Futurity in July, Had to Be Valiant was coming off a two-month vacation for her Trial and she made up enough ground in the late stages to win by a nose over newcomer Bnb Jessagoldheart. The latter was disqualified from second place for interference, moving Bogar's My Gypsy Girl up to second place and Cold Hard Chief to third.
Had to Be Valiant was one of four winners ridden by leading jockey Ismael Mosqueira on the afternoon. Her time was 20.758 for a 79 speed index.
The top 10 fastest qualifiers will compete in the final.
Mosqueira's four wins gave him 28 for the season, nine ahead of Cristian Benitez (19) and 11 ahead of Brian Bell. The trainer's race at Ajax Downs is a good one with Joe Tavares holding a slim lead over Jason Pascoe, 31 to 29. Tavares is the leading owner with three racing days left in the season with 22 wins and $216,679 in purses.
Racing continues at Ajax Downs next Wednesday, Oct. 7, with a 12:55 first race post time.

*Coming up on Thanksgiving Monday, October 12, is PUMPKIN DAY, benefiting the United Way. The first 100 kids will receive a pumpkin to decorate plus there will be giveaways, a Turkey vs. Chicken race with jockeys in costumes, and tons of family fun with a huge Quarter Horse racing card. There is a food drive or gently-used/new clothing drive and donations will receive a $5 betting voucher.

For more information on how you can become a Quarter Horse owner, contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario about the First Line Racing Syndicate at (905) 426-7050.

To read the latest news about racing at Ajax Downs, get the latest dates and events, or reserve a picnic table on one of our bigger days ($25), visit our website, www.ajaxdowns.com. You can watch and wager on Ajax Downs racing trackside and up close to the action or through www.HPIBet.com.

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