Fate Zoomin, piloted by Christian Benitez, wins the $26,102 (US) Stallion Auction Futurity by a neck at Ajax Downs on Wednesday.

© Clive Cohen/New Image Media

AJAX, ONT–JUNE 26, 2024–Top contender Fate Zoomin comes up against the rail to the wire for a neck victory in the $26,102 (US) Stallion Auction Futurity at Ajax Downs on Wednesday.

Christian Benitez, who rode Fate Zoomin in her first career start for second in the QROOI Bonus Futurity two weeks ago, returned for the mount in the 250-yard Futurity today. The daughter of Peighnt Your Fate crossed the wire in :13.740 seconds. The victory paid $3.70 to win 4/5 odds.

The stakes win comes as a first for both the jockey and trainer of Fate Zoomin. Trainer John McInerney won his first-ever career race, and Benitez won his first career stakes.

McInerney says, "I am speechless. I thought she would get ready early, but I also thought coming back two weeks off a race was too early. But she did well. She has a good mind, and I am very happy with her.

The winning connections of Fate Zoomin accept the $26,102 (US) Stallion Auction Futurity at Ajax Downs on Wednesday. © Clive Cohen/New Image Media

The $10,547 winner's share of the purse boosts Fate Zoomin's earnings to $15,349 for her owner, Richard Wincikaby, who bred the sorrel filly out of Eazoom by Shazoom and also owns her sire.

J. Botello piloted Last Cold Bud to second place in his first official out. Jason Pascoe conditions the son of Cold Hard Dash for owner/breeder Belinda Taggart. The bay gelding out of One Kool Bud by Strawflyin Buds earned $5,274 for his second-place efforts.

Third place finisher The Batmann, ridden by Carly Furlonger, placed third. The gray gelding has yet to break his maiden from two starts and has $5,379 in earnings. Trainer/owner Scott Reid bred the son of Caviar And Corona in partnership with Carly Furlonger. He is out of Elenorr by Mr Jess Tex.

Peighntmeadiamond, Elvis The Famous, Runaway Fate, Done In Chrome, Niigaanii and Tragically Ripped complete the order of finish.