Queen Charlotte, ridden by Diego Benitez, wins the. $37,361 (US) Alex Picov Memorial Championship by 1/2-length at Ajax Downs on Wednesday.

© Clive Cohen/New Image Media

AJAX, ONT–OCTOBER 9, 2024–Picked as the longshot favorite, Queen Charlotte pulled off an upset in the 51st running of the $37,361 (US) Alex Picov Memorial Championship at Ajax Downs on Wednesday.

Jockey Diego Benitez furnished the upset aboard Queen Charlotte with a gutsy 1/2-length victory over stablemates Had To Be Relentless and Had To Be Ivory, who was the heavy favorite. The four-year-old filly trained by James Bogar took over the lead at first call, clocking an 80 speed index in 22.485 seconds into a 24 mph headwind. The 440-yard victory paid $14.40 to win on 9-2 odds.

Benitez excitedly said, "She surprised me too. I just said,' Come on, 'come on.' Then, she was gone and wasn't going to let anybody pass her. "She has such a big heart."

This victory was Queen Charlotte's fourth consecutive win this season, including the Princess Maturity in August. The $15,899 payday increased her earnings to $65,621 and improved her race record to seven career wins from 18 starts.

The winning connections of Queen Charlotte accept the $37,361 (US) Alex Picov Memorial Championship trophy at Ajax Downs on Wednesday.
© Clive Cohen/New Image Media

The Alex Picov Memorial is one of the richest races of the year. "This is my biggest race for sure," said Bogar. "Hats off to Nicole and the team. They do a great job with all of my horses."

Bogar commented, "I thought she had a chance. But it was a big surprise she could beat "Ivory" and Snow Moose. It was a strong field. "We are very happy to have her and our whole team. Everything just came together today."

Had To Be Relentless, piloted by Brian Cheyne,  came up from behind on the inside to place second, just a neck over his stablemate Had To Be Ivory, ridden by Josh Scott, who was on the outside.

Queen Charlotte had a tough start before this year, 2023. In 2002, she didn't even break her maiden from four starts. Then, in 2023, she won two of seven starts. She finally found her stride this year.

Bogar said, "She was a hard-luck horse in the beginning. She would be injured, or something would always happen. But I always sensed that she could be the one, the fastest horse in the barn. And she's proven it.

Bogar owns and bred the daughter of One Fabulous EagleHa in Ontario out of the Tres Seis mare Leanintoit, who earned $234,887 on the track with 13 wins, six of which were stakes victories.

We have other offspring from her dam, Leanintoit. We have two three-year-olds and quite a few weanlings, yearlings, and two-year-olds.

Trainer Bryn Robertson saddled runner-up Had To Be Relentless and third-place finisher Had To Be Ivory for owners-breeders Carl and Jaime Robertson of Ontario. The half-brothers are both out of Had To Be Fandango by Hadtobenuts.

Had To Be Relentless has lit the board 28 of 36 starts with eight lifetime wins and $136,996 in the bank. The six-year-old gelding is sired by Hes Relentless.

Had To Be Ivory has a record of 28-4-3 from 38 starts and $359,219 in lifetime earnings. The nine-year-old son of Ivory James has earned the AQHA Canadian champion honors three times: in 2018, 2019, and 2022.

Hanover Hill Theresa, Snow Moose, One Fabulous Wave, and First Cold Wave round out the order of finish.

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