Overcoming a slow start and some bumping, HAD TO BE FABULOUS turned on the jets late to win the $51,030 Princess Derby for 3-year-old Quarter Horse fillies at Ajax Downs on Wednesday.
The Ontario-bred by One Fabulous Eagle – Had to Be Fandango was sent off as the heavy 1 to 20 favourite for the 350-yard dash but things didn’t go smoothly for the filly and jockey Ismael Mosqueira out of the gate. After a bit of a stutter-step start, Had to Be Fabulous traded a solid bump with rival Sweeet D, causing her to lose her momentum.
“We broke a bit slow,” said Mosqueira. “Believe me, I got a bit worried the first 300 yards, but once she got rolling and I saw that we were gaining, then the worries were done.”
In a blink, Had to Be Fabulous flew past leader Magic in Wonderland, a 29 to 1 longshot, and then held off a charging Sassies Best to win in a time of 17.892 for a 94 speed index. The Princess Derby was the seventh win in succession for Had to Be Fabulous and 10th win in 11 career races. She is owned by her breeders, Carol and Jaime Robterson of Hillsburgh and trained by Bryn Robertson.
“She never stresses,” said Robertson about Had to Be Fabulous. “She’s quiet. In the paddock, she just stands there. She doesn’t use herself up.”
Robertson said the Norman Picov Derby against the boys would be next for Had to Be Fabulous.
*Earlier in the afternoon, Had to Be Fabulous’ celebrated older, half-brother HAD TO BE IVORY won for the 32nd time in his career in the Gridiron Gallop at 110-yards. The 10-year-old gelding is preparing for the Alex Picov Championship at season’s end.
*ROB BURNS of Unxbridge had his first win as an owner when STOLIN SECRETS broke his maiden in race 2 on Wednesday. Burns has been involved in Quarter Horse racing for several years, but Stolin Secrets, a 3-year-old by Ontario sire Caviar and Corona, is the first one he has purchased.
“[Trainer] Chantal Bourgeois found him for me, and she does a great job, and Cassandra [Jeschke] broke him to saddle and is an incredible rider. It was an exciting win, my daughter was here screaming for him.”
*Racing continues at Ajax Downs, next Wednesday, August 13 with the running of the $30,000 PRINCESS MATURITY. First race post time next week is 1:45 p.m. 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.
VIDEO REPLAY OF PRINCESS DERBY– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im4vd4HLPsg
