Eye Live For Candy, under jockey J.B. Botello, winning the $23,603(US) Princess Maturity at Ajax Downs Wednesday afternoon.

© Clive Cohen / New Image Media

AJAX, ONT–AUGUST 16, 2023–Multiple stakes winner Eye Live For Candy rolled to her first win of the season today when she won the $23,603(US) Princess Maturity at Ajax Downs.

Under jockey J.B. Botello Eye Live For Candy powered away from the gate to win by one-length while stopping the timer in :20.010 seconds, a 97 speed index with a 10 mph tailwind for 400 yards.

Trainer Jason Pascoe saddled the 4-year-old daughter of leading third-crop sire A Revenant to her sixth career win 20 starts for owner Milena Kwiecien.  She went off as the heavy post time favorite returning $2.90 to win, $2.20 to place and $2.10 to show.

"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.

Bred in Wyoming by Klay Hinck, from the Eyesa Special mare Eyesa Candy Maker, Eye Live For Candy earned $9,041(US) to bring her bankroll to $97,031. She won the 2022 Princess Derby and Picov Derby .

Jtc Lil Moonbar and jockey Brian Bell finished second but was disqualified for interference and to fourth by the track's stewards.

The winning connections of Eye Live For Candy accept the Princess Maturity stakes trophy at Ajax Downs.
© Clive Cohen

Runner-up Jess A Deal earned $4,521(US) after moving up to second place. Bob Broadstock trains the 7-year-old daughter of multiple stakes sire Dealagame for owners Marie Broadstock and Picov Cattle Co. Bred in Texas by Pete Scarmardo, from the Mr Jess Perry mare Jess Marcy, Jess A Deal has banked $57,444 in 37 career starts.

Summer Grace, an Ontario-bred daughter of Look At Magics Form, finished 1-1/2 lengths back to earn $2,261(US) for thrid. Owner-breeder and trainer Chantelle Bourgeois named jockey Cassandra Jeschke to ride the 5-yaer-old mare from the Tres Seis mare Winning Situation. The lightly races mare has earned $20,426 in nine career starts.

Completing the official order of finish were Jtc Lil Moonbar, Favorite Pearl, Oh My Gawd, Sw Snowmagicallykool, Princesss Leia and First Golden Rose. Ice Cream Cartel was scratched.

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.

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