The $51,930 race attracted a strong field of 10.
AJAX DOWNS. AUGUST 16, 2023 - Milena Kwiecien's EYE LIVE FOR CANDY, the top 3-year-old filly at Ajax Downs in 2022, swept to victory in the first running of the Princess Maturity on August 16, just her second start at her home track this season.
Trained by Jason Pascoe, Eye Live for Candy and jockey JB Botello were off to a good start in the 400-yard dash for 4-year-olds and upward, fillies and mares, and coasted home winners by one length in 20.010, good for a solid 97 speed index.
The 2022 Champion 3-year-old filly Eye Live for Candy had a victorious return to her home track - New Image Media photo
JTC Lil Moonbar, owned by Brad Clark, finished a hard-fought second but was later disqualified and placed fourth for drifting out and causing interference. Jess a Deal was moved up from third and placed second while Summers Grace was placed third.
As a heavy 3 to 5 favourite, Eye Live for Candy paid just $2.90 to win.
The Princess Maturity was the sixth win in 20 starts for Eye Live for Candy, a Wyoming-bred daughter of A Revenant - Eyesa Candy Maker by Eyesa Special. In 2022, Eye Live for Candy won the Princess Derby and Picov Derby, asserting herself as the best 3-year-old at Ajax Dpwns last season.
"We have plans for her for a race at Indiana [Downs] for her next race but then hopefully back her at Ajax Downs for the Picov Memorial Championship," said Pascoe. currently Ajax Downs' leading trainer.
*Racing continues at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, August 23 with a first race post time of 1:30 p.m. Admission and parking are always free. Visit www.ajaxdowns.com for more news and events.
