The 14th edition of the Ontario Bred Derby at 300 yards has a field of 10 from two Trials held on June 11.
AJAX DOWNS, JULY 1, 2025 - The Quarter Horses will have their first twilight racing card at Ajax Downs this Wednesday, July 2 , with a first race post time of 4:15 p.m. A fantastic, eight-race program will kick off with the BATTLE OF THE BREEDS pitting Quarter Horses against Thoroughbreds around a turn at 770- yards and wrap up with the final of the $57,105 Ontario Bred Derby for 3-year-olds.
Wagering opportunities include the popular Pick 5 wager, beginning on race 4 and two Pick 4 wagers.
The exciting filly HAD TO BE FABULOUS has won eight of nine career races and headlines the 14th Ontario Bred Derby at Ajax Downs on July 2. New Image Media photo
The 14th edition of the Ontario Bred Derby at 300 yards has a field of 10 from two Trials held on June 11. The 2024 High Point 2-year-old filly HAD TO BE FABULOUS has yet to be beaten this year from three races as she won a Trial for the Open Derby, the final, and waltzed to a big win in her Ontario Bred Derby Trial. The stout bay filly of Carol and Jaime Robertson has eight wins from nine career races.
Had to Be Fabulous won her Trial by 1 3/4 lengths with a speed index of 92. Ismael Mosqueira returns to ride the half sister to Horse of the Year Had to Be Ivory. The filly drew post position one.
The dark horse in the field is EMBRACE YOUR FATE, an impressive winner of the second Derby Trial in his first career race. The gelding overcame a bit of a slow start to win handily under Tony Phillips for owner Rick Parker and trainer John McInenery. Embrace Your Fate earned an 87 speed index and is the first horse owned by Parker, who, along with wife Sue, is an award-winning stunt actor and animal trainer.
Embrace Your Fate drew post position three.
The Battle of the Breeds features the top Quarter Horse mare JESS A DEAL going for her sixth BOB win for owners Marie Broadstock and Picov Cattle Company. Two Thoroughbreds are in from Fort Erie racetrack to challenge Jess a Deal: Red Maple and Determined Love.
Admission and parking are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on our exciting races trackside, up close to the action, at our picnic tables. To reserve tables in advance for $25 or book the VIP room for your party or group, contact www.ajaxdowns.com.
There is also an expansive simulcast wagering room with tellers or you can wager through www.HPIBet.com.
If you want to get involved in owning a Quarter Horse, contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at 905- 426-7050.
The Field for the $57,105 Ontario Bred Derby
Ajax Downs, July 2, Race 8, post time 7:17 p.m.
1 HAD TO BE FABULOUS, I Mosqueira, B Robertson, 3-1
2 MAGIC GUITAR, C Jeschke, C Bourgeois, 12-1
3 EMBRACE YOUR FATE, T Phillips, J McInerney, 7-2
4 MAGIC IN WONDERLAND, JB Botello, R Kennedy, 10-1
5 TOWANDA, R Isaacs, J Pascoe, 8-1
6 PEIGHNTMEADIAMOND, B Bell, J Tavares, 4-1
7 FIRST FOR YOU, T Phillips, J McInerney, 15-1
8 LAST COLD BUD, D Benitez, S Reid, 8-1
9 THE BATMANN, C Benitez , S Reid, 6-1
10 RUSHN SPICE, C Jeschke,C Bourgeois, 10-1
Source: Ajax Downs
