Niigaanii and jockey Tony Phillips are contenders in the prestigious 2-year-old race at Ajax Downs.

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AJAX, ONT–OCTOBER 22, 2024–Sarah Wincikaby's talented 2-year-old Niigaanii will meet nine other top juveniles in Wednesday's $77,220 Alex Picov Memorial Futurity at Ajax Downs, one of this country's richest Quarter Horse races.

The Futurity, at a challenging 400 yards, is race eight on a big nine-race card that gets underway at 12:55 p.m.

Niigaanii, who was bred by Wincikaby, has won two of his five starts and was second by just a neck in his latest, the Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity, to Runaway Fate, who is also in the Picov Futurity field.

"He's going to run as best as he can," said Wincikaby, who owns and breeds horses with her parents, Richard and Linda Wincikaby, in Alliston. "Just having him race as a 2-year-old and do so well is a big accomplishment already."

Niigaanii, which means "he will lead' in Ojibwe, is trained by John McInerney and has post position five. Runaway Fate, owned and bred by Heste Sport Inc. and trained by Bob Broadstock, has post eight with Rachael Isaacs riding.

Wincikaby's father, Richard, also has a horse in the Picov Futurity as Peighntmeadiamond, fourth behind Niigaanii in their last meeting, is in post 10 with Brian Bell up. Rick Kennedy trains Peighntmeadiamond. As a bonus for the Wincikabys, Niigaanii, Runaway Fate, and Peighntmeadiamond are all by their stallion Peighnt Your Fate, who is managed by Michelle Woodley.

The fleet filly Had To Be Fabulous is the 3 to 1 morning line favorite for the Picov Futurity based on her record of four wins in five races, including the QROOI Bonus Futurity. The half-sister to champion Had to Be Ivory is trained by Bryn Robertson, who has won 15 races from 40 starters in 2024. Josh Scott will ride. And Robertson, who trains for his wife Carol and daughter-in-law Jaime, also has the quick grey gelding Elvis The Famous, bred by Amelie Aubut, in the field with Cassandra Jeschke on board.

24th ALEX PICOV MEMORIAL FUTURITY
Purse $77,220; 400 yards, Ajax Downs, Race 8, October 23
Post Horse - Jockey - Trainer (Odds)

1. CG MEGA SPY - Helen Vanek - Jason Pascoe (10-1)
2. HAD TO BE FABULOUS - Josh Scott - Bryn Robertson (3-1)
3. A SHADES OF MAGIC - JB Botello - Jason Pascoe (15-1)
4. MISS SILKY MAGIC - Brian Chyene - Jason Pascoe (12-1)
5. NOOGAANII - Tony Phillips - McInerney (6-1)
6. MAGIC IN WONDERLAND - Christan Benitez - Rick Kennedy (8-1)
7. ELVIS THE FAMOUS - Cassandra Jeschke - Bryn Robertson (7-2)
8. RUNAWAY FATE - Rachael Isaacs - Bob Broadstock (4-1)
9. THE BATMANN - Carly Furlonger - Scott Reid (10-1)
10. PEIGHNTMEADIAMOND - Brian Bell - Rick Kennedy (8-1)

There are two Pick 5 and two Pick 4 wagers on Wednesday's card, the penultimate race day of the 2024 racing season.

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Parking and admission are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on the race's trackside or from the expansive simulcast room. Wagering is also available through www.HPIBET.com. Want to get involved in Quarter Horse ownership? Contact the QROOI at 905-426-7050 for details on the new Horse Purchase Program which offers an interest-free loan to purchase a Quarter Horse or how to join the First Line Racing Syndicate.

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