AJAX DOWNS, October 18, 2023 - Angelle Carter's homebred gelding Adreamtobuildakisson overcame an awkward start from the gate to win the 12th running of the $61,020 Ontario Sired Stakes Derby at Ajax Downs on October 18.
Ridden by Ismael Mosquiera, Adreamtobuildakisson spotted race favorite Firstprise Charlotte almost a length at the start of the 350-yard dash for Ontario-sired three-year-olds but dug in through the late stages to edge past the filly to win by a neck.
Firstprize Charlotte, owned by Craig Spada and Rick Crispi, finished second by half a length over A Shades of Cold, winner of one of two Trials for the OSS Derby, who is owned and was bred by Amelie Aubut.
The running time of 17.763 was good for a 97 speed index, a career best for Adreamtobuildakisson.
"He broke a little low [to the ground]," said Mosquiera, who had ridden Adreamtobuildakisson to victory in one of two Trials for the OSS Derby. "In the second or third stride though, he showed the speed he has been showing the last two times he has raced."
Mosquiera rode Adreamtobuildakisson for the first time when the son of the late stallion Dashair won an allowance race in August. A victory in one of the Trials followed.
"We flew in just this morning from Vancouver to watch the race," said Carter's sister Kelly Banah, who attended the races with Shanti Banah. "We're sad that Mom was not well enough to come out to watch. She did it Mom, she did it!"
A son of Carter's mare Tres Seis Smooches, Adreamtobuildakisson has won four of 13 races and earned over $62,000.
With just one racing date remaining in the 2023 Quarter Horse season, the tight, three-way battle for top jockey remained close as none of that trio won a race on Wednesday.
Brian Bell (25 wins this year), JB Botello (22) and Ramiro Castillo were all shut out.
The final card of the 2023 Quarter Horse season is next Wednesday, October 25 with the final of the Alex Picov Memorial Futurity and a first race post time of 12:55 p.m.
Angelle Carter - center - with sister Kelly and friend Darlene Pearson (New Image Media).
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