The promising Ontario bred 3-year-old Heart of the Sun (4) just missed in his career debut and is one of the contenders in race 4 on Wednesday

© Clive Cohen / New Image Media

AJAX, ONT–JUNE 7, 2022–Ontario Quarter Horse racing continues at Ajax Downs this Wednesday, June 8, and a number of entrants on the card are lightly raced 3-year-olds who have their connections excited about their future.

One of those is the big and flashy gelding Heart Of The Sun, an Ontario bred who figures to be favored in the day's featured race 4, a $12,000 maiden allowance dash at 300 yards.

Named by owner and breeder James Bogar of Cameron, ON for a song by Pink Floyd, Heart of the Sun was a fast-finishing third in his career debut on May 18 at 250 yards with Tony Phillips riding.

"He put forth a good effort, did everything right, and showed talent," said Bogar. "We were pleased with the outcome."

Trained by Barry Wood, Heart of the Sun did not race as a 2-year-old as he was so big. "His barn name is Moose," said Bogar, who began expanding his Quarter Horse interests about four years ago and was Ajax Downs' top owner in 2019.

Bogar bred his mare A Leading Memory, who won the 2009 Princess Derby for Erik and Joyce Lehtinen, to the top American stallion Kiss My Hocks in 2019 to get Heart of the Sun. Kiss My Hocks is currently 10th in North America on the leading Quarter Horse sire list.

"I really like this stallion. His looks are superb and I liked the pedigree cross with A Leading Memory," said Bogar.

Heart Of The Sun, as with most of the promising 3-year-olds at Ajax Downs this year, is nominated to the Picov Derby in August.

"We have high hopes for Heart of The Sun to do well this year. He is entered into the Picov Derby amongst some very tough company."

In Wednesday's second race, an $11,500 allowance race at 330-yards both Lethal Tres Seis, owned by Richard Wincikaby, and Sw The Redeemer are also nominated to the Picov Derby.

First race post time on Wednesday is 1:30 p.m. (EDT). The track's popular new wager, the Pick 5, begins on race 2.

You can watch and wager on the Ajax Downs card on track or at www.hpibet.com. Races are streamed live at www.ajaxdowns.com and on its Facebook page. Keep up to date on Ajax Downs news on social media by following @AjaxDowns.