Chillin With Peeps, under jockey Cassandra Jeschke, dominated the Princess Derby trials on Sunday at Ajax Downs.

© New Image Media / Clive Cohen

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

AJAX, ONT—JULY 19, 2026—Ontario-bred Chillin With Peeps stamped herself as the filly to beat for the $50,000-added Princess Derby when she cruised to the fastest qualifying time during Sunday's two 350-yard trials at Ajax Downs.

The daughter of multiple stakes sire Rushago stopped the clock in 18.221 while drawing away to a convincing 2 1/2-length victory in the second of two trials, earning the top berth to the August 5 final.

Owned, bred, and trained by Chantelle Bourgeois, Chillin With Peeps is out of Shake It Twice, by Look At Magics Form, and was guided by Cassandra Jeschke. Breaking sharply from the rail, the sophomore filly quickly seized command and steadily widened her advantage.

Open A New Corona, under jockey Brian Bell, wins the opening trial for the Princess Derby Sunday at Ajax Downs. © New Image Media / Clive Cohen

The second-fastest qualifier was Open A New Corona, who captured the first trial in :18.441 after a determined stretch drive to prevail by one-half length. The Louisiana-bred daughter of champion Open Me A Corona out of On A New Note, by One Fabulous Eagle, races for owner and trainer Joe Tavares and was ridden by Brian Bell. Bred by Brian L. Gunder, Open A New Corona was purchased for $6,500 at the 2025 Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale before earning her place in the Princess Derby final.

The ten fastest qualifiers from the two trials advance to the $50,000-added Princess Derby final on August 5 at Ajax Downs.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of qualifiers with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, and jockeys.

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