Had To Be Fabulous, ridden by Josh Scott, scored her fifth career victory in the $55,830 Alex Picov Memorial Futurity at Ajax Downs on Wednesday.

© Clive Cohen/New Image Media

AJAX, ONT–OCTOBER 23, 2024–What a fabulous season multiple stakes winner Had To Be Fabulous has had this year. On Wednesday, the 3-1 morning-line favorite secured her fifth victory this season, winning the $55,830 (US) Alex Picov Memorial Futurity at Ajax Downs.

Had To Be Fabulous has won five of her six career starts, including the QROOI Bonus Futurity in June. Her only non-victory was in the Ontario Bred Futurity, where she placed seventh to winner and stablemate Elvis The Famous, who placed seventh in today's Alex Picov Memorial Futurity.

Favored to win, the 400-yard victory paid $3.10 to win. With Josh Scott in the irons, Had To Be Fabulous courageously led the field from wire to wire, achieving an 80-speed index in 20.654 seconds. The $22,333 (US) payday boosted the daughter of One Fabulous Eagle's bankroll to $49,806.

It was a close photo finish at the wire, but she won the nod by a nose, narrowly edging out runner-up Peighntmeadiamond and jockey Brian Bell. Niigaanii, piloted by Tony Phillips, followed 3/4-lengths behind for third.

"We had a good, clean break," said Scott. "She started hesitating a bit down the stretch, so I had to encourage her. Then I saw the 10 horse coming up, and I was just hoping we'd hold on."

Bryn Robertson saddled Had To Be Fabulous for his wife Carol Robertson and daughter-in-law Jaime Robertson. The Robertson homebred filly is a half-sister to champion Had To Be Ivory and out of the Hadtobenuts mare Had To Be Fandango.

"She's just a nice filly," said Bryn Robertson. "And Josh and his girlfriend Jessica [who gallops Had to Be Fabulous] are always at our farm and do a great job for us. We are lucky we have these great horses out of our mare Had to Be Fandango."

Owner-trainer Richard Wincikaby bred Peighntmeadiamond in partnership with Katie Browne. The son of Peighnt Your Fate has yet to break his maiden from six starts and has earnings of $20,941. He placed fourth in the Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity and Ajax Stallion Auction Futurity earlier this season. He is out of Swingwiththering (TB) by Where's The Ring.

Niigaanii has lit the board four of six starts with two career wins and earnings of $25,558 for owner-breeder Sarah Wincikaby. John McInerney conditions the son of Peighnt Your Fate, who placed second in the Ontario Sires Stakes Futurity last month and was a finalist in the Ajax Stallion Auction Futurity in June. He is out of Sheza Fast Mom by Heza Fast Dash.

Runaway Fate, Magic In Wonderland, The Batmann, Elvis The Famous, Miss Silky Magic, A Shades Of Magic and Cg Mega Spy complete the order of finish.]

The final race day of the 2024 Ajax Downs season is next Wednesday, October 30 with a first race post time of 12:55 p.m. Come to the track next week in a Halloween costume and receive a $2 betting voucher.

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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 to learn how to join the First Line Racing Syndicate.

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