Craig Spada's diminutive 2-year-old filly JESS A SWEET SUPRIZE sped to a sizzling win in the slop in the first of two trials for the upcoming Bonus Challenge Futurity on a rainy Sunday at
Ajax Downs.
It was a great day for owner and trainer Spada, who raced horses with his late father Peter for a decade at Ajax Downs, winning nearly 100 races. Peter Spada passed away in the spring of 2017 and Craig has continued the family tradition with a small stable.
Jess a Sweet Suprize, purchased privately by Spada, was making her second career start in her trial and won by a length in the quick time of :15.69 for 300 yards. Ridden by Chelsey Willick, Jess a Sweet Suprize posted a 90 speed index rating, 10 points higher than RVR UNDERCOVER LOVER'S win in the second trial.
Invading from Indiana, RVR Undercover Lover, a 2-year-old colt trained by Tony Cunningham, won by a nose over first time starter Gatlinburg in a time of :16.10 for an 80 speed index. American rider Cesar Esqueda was in town for the winning ride.
Trainer Jason Pascoe from Pontypool, ON had four juveniles qualify for the final and all are owned by Burlington's Milena Kwiecien.
First time Quarter Horse owner Bonnie Kirkwood-Peavoy is the owner of Gatlinburg, who is trained by Michelle Woodley.
The 10 fastest qualifying juveniles now head to the $20,000 Bonus Challenge Futurity final on July 15.
Coming up, Ajax Downs has a big Canada Day celebration on Sunday, July 1, with a card of racing, infield festivities and games followed by fireworks.
For more information check out
http://www.ajaxdowns.com./
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