Chester, PA — The father-son team of trainer Brett and driver Jack Pelling unveiled a pair of sharp 3-year-olds who won their first trips behind the gate in 2023 during Tuesday morning (May 9) qualifying races at Harrah’s Philadelphia.
First up was the Downbytheseaside filly Charleston, 10-6-4-0 in her freshman campaign, who came out of the pocket to catch pacesetter My Little Captain, who went 7-5-2-0 as a 2-year-old, by a nose in 1:55. Charleston, who was second in the She’s A Great Lady, Breeders Crown, and Kindergarten finals last year, is owned by Diamond Creek Racing.
Combustion, a son of Captaintreacherous who won $292,275 at two, including a second in the Governor’s Cup and a third in his Breeders Crown, connected in 1:53.1 for Team Pelling. Diamond Creek Racing is also a co-owner of this colt along with Thomas and Scott Dillon, and Cooper Silva Stables.
Mikala, who turned in a :25 last quarter to defeat Test Of Faith in a Graduate Series leg last year, returned to the races and promptly won in 1:52.2 despite a first-over journey. The daughter of Always B Miki, now five, was driven by George Brennan for trainer Nik Drennan and owners Joseph Davino, Brad Shackman, Anthony Perretti Farm, and Drennan Stable.