American invader Hospitaliti made good on her sizzling Alex Picov Memorial Derby trial victory from two weeks ago to take the $62,900 final on Sept. 23 on a warm and breezy afternoon at Ajax Downs.
Breaking from post position eight in the 10-horse field traveling 400 yards, Hospitaliti drifted to the far outside of the main track and turned on the jets in the late stages to win by three-quarters of a length over Spy for the Senate. Ontario-bred Shes Sizzling finished third.
Ridden by Shanley Jackson, Hospitaliti was the even money favourite, paid $4.10 to win and ran the distance in :20.160 into a 26 mph headwind. She earned a 93 speed index.
Ajax trainer Greg Watson trained the filly at his Bethany, ON farm since her trial win. Matt Frazier trains Hospitaliti in the U.S.
Owners Glenn and Kelly Graff of Ohio were in attendance to cheer on their special 3-year-old filly.
"We got her out of a Ruidoso [New Mexico] sale from breeder Bobby Cox," said Glenn Graff. "She's had some rough races and some bad luck but Matt and Greg have her going in the right direction."
Tony Phillips won two races on the day to extend his lead in the Ajax Downs rider standings with 30. American rider Oscar Andrade Jr., in town for the Derby, won three races on the card.
Four racing dates remain for Quarter Horse racing at Ajax Downs for 2019 including the popular Pumpkin Day giveaway on Thanksgiving Monday, Oct 14, which features the prestigious Alex Picov Memorial Championship.
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Photo by New Image Media
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