Eye Live for Candy looking for sweet victory against veteran champ at Ajax Downs

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Published September 21, 2022 at 9:00 am

Ajax Downs' leading older horse, Had to Be Ivory, will try to remain unbeaten in 2022 in the Sept. 21 Distances Series, Leg 2 (New Image Media photo)

The second leg of the $20,000 QROOI Distance Series at Ajax Downs today could have Horse of the Year ramifications as champion Had To Be Ivory takes on the top 3-year-old filly this year, Eye Live For Candy, one of five entrants that leading trainer Jason Pascoe will start in the 440-yard feature.

First race post time on Wednesday is 12:55 p.m. and the forecast is for warm, summer-like temperatures.

Had to Be Ivory, the Ajax Downs Horse of the Year in 2019, is undefeated in four races in 2022, winning the Picov Maturity and Ontario Bred Maturity as well as the first leg of the QROOI Distance Series. The three-race Distance Series is completed by a 770-yard dash around one turn on October 26.

A 7-year-old Ontario bred for Carol and Jaime Robertson, Had to Be Ivory is better than ever this year and has been so sharp, trainer Bryn Robertson had to send him out for a recent workout over the Ajax Downs strip on September 7, speeding 220 yards in a quick 11.87. The big son of Ivory James, who will have regular rider Josh Scott on board, has yet to win at the 440-yard distance, however, after two previous attempts.

The match-up of Had to Be Ivory against Eye Live For Candy is sure to be fascinating, A Wyoming bred owned by Burlington’s Milena Kwiecien, the filly has won all four of her races at Ajax Downs in 2022 including the Princess Derby in June and the Picov Derby over the colts. This will be Eye Live for Candy’s first try at 440-yards and she will have her usual rider Ismael Mosquiera up.

Pascoe will also send out four others to try and upend Had to Be Ivory including Kwiecien’s stakes stars Maryland Magic and Spy for the Senate and his own stakes winner Streakinlilwagon, a 4-year-old filly.

The QROOI Distances Series #2 is race six on the seven-race card. Fans in attendance will also be able to enter a draw to win a share in two horses (all expenses included) as part of the First Line Racing Syndicate for the 2023 racing season.

Admission to Ajax Downs is always free and fans can get up close to the racing action at the trackside picnic tables. You can also watch and wager on the Quarter Horse racing action through www.hpibet.com and a live stream of the races is available on the Ajax Downs Facebook page.

With files from Jennifer Morrison

 

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