Elvis The Famous, ridden by Diego Benitez, gets an impressive 3/4-length victory in the $43,465 (US) Ontario Bred Futurity at Ajax Downs on Wednesday

© New Image Media

AJAX, ONT–JULY 31, 2024–Fastest qualifier, Had To Be Fabulous, didn’t fire in the $43,465 (US) Ontario Bred Futurity at Ajax Downs on Wednesday and suffered her first loss. However, her stablemate, Elvis The Famous, stepped up and emerged victorious.

Jockey Diego Benitez picked up the mount aboard Elvis The Famous after Josh Scott, who qualified him with a win in the trials, took Had To Be Fabulous for the finals. The son of Cold Hard Cash took the lead on the first call and maintained it for a 3/4-length victory over Runaway Fate in 15.613 seconds. He clocked a 90-speed index with a 17 mph crosswind, and the 300-yard upset paid $12.70 to win on 5/1 odds.

Benito said, "He broke really fast and just took off. I am really happy for this win."

Bryn Robertson trained Elvis The Famous and Had To Be Fabulous, both of which are owned by Carol and Jaime Robertson.

"Had To Be Fabulous broke flat; she just didn't want to go today, so Elvis The Famous took advantage," said Bryn Robertson. "He broke on the outside and said you're not going to beat me today. He's a tough little guy. He's not easy to handle and is always wiggling, but he's good."

The winning connections of Elvis The Famous accept the $43,465 (US) Ontario Bred Futurity trophy at Ajax Downs on Wednesday. © New Image Media

Breeder Amelie Aubut attended the races to watch Elvis The Famous, and it was quite an exciting day for her. She sold the little gray gelding out of DM Classic Rock by DM Selexus to the Robertsons. After the $23,307 payday, he has $24,582 in the bank, and his record improved to two career wins from three starts. He placed fifth in the Ajax Stallion Auction Futurity earlier this season.

Runner-up Runaway Fate was a 28-1 longshot, and her second-place finish with Rachael Isaacs in the irons paid $10.60 to place. The Batmann, ridden by Carly Furlonger, followed for third. Neither horse has yet to break its maiden.

Runaway Fate is owned and bred by Heste Sport, Inc. and trained by Bob Broadstock. The son of Peighnt Your Fate earned $8,694 for second, increasing his earnings to $11,528. The bay gelding is out of Runaway Cause by Ocean Runaway.

Carly Furlonger bred The Batmann in partnership with his owner-trainer Scott Reid. The son of Caviar And Corona has a record of 0-2-2 from four starts and $11,743 in the bank after cashing in the $4,437 winnings for third. He is out of the Mr Jess Tex mare Elenorr.

First For You, Last Cold Bud, Fate Zoomin, Had To Be Fabulous, and Look Twice complete the order of finish. Firing Red Lucy and Peighntmeadaimond were scratched.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Parking and admission are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on the races from the trackside or the expansive simulcast room. Wagering is also available through www.HPIBET.com which offers a 3 percent Cash Back promotion if you wager $40 on the Ajax Downs races.

Follow Ajax Downs on social media @AjaxDowns and visit our website, www.AjaxDowns.com for news, selections, and more information.