Following a 12-year absence from the North American training scene, trainer Brett Pelling needed some time to regain his footing. The one-time Meadowlands leading conditioner returned with a self-confidence that was not initially met by others. The first few years saw Pelling race many of his own horses as he regained footing on the continent. Last year many of the pieces finally fell in place as Pelling guided the fortunes of two Breeders Crown winners in Caviart Ally and Papi Rob Hanover. To be perfectly correct, Papi Rob Hanover crossed the wire first in his Breeders Crown final only to be disqualified and placed second. While the disqualification was a sting at the time to Pelling, now a few months removed, the trainer has set his sights on a 3-year-old campaign. “He was out for seven weeks and he’s back now and looks magnificent,” said Pelling. “He’s put on some weight, not that he needed to, and is back training.” Pelling has Caviart Ally back in training as well and the Bettor’s Delight mare looks to build on her bankroll and move towards the $2 million mark in career earnings. “I’m happy they brought her back. I didn’t think it should have been a hard decision considering what she made last year and what she could this year,” Pelling said. “It’s going to be a bit of a tougher campaign for her this year as we’re going to start her in the Matchmaker.” The series at Yonkers Raceway is less than two months away and Pelling expects Caviart Ally to be ready. Papi Rob Hanover lost the Crown decision to Tall Dark Stranger and Pelling is hopeful that his son of Somebeachsomewhere will become an even better 3-year-old. Pelling has a history of improving most of his stable from freshman to sophomores so expect Papi Rob Hanover to be up to the task. “I don’t think it’s just going to be those two horses,” Pelling said, referring to rival Tall Dark Stranger. “There are some nice horses out there that are going to step up.” Ironically, or perhaps purposefully, Pelling is now training the 2-year-old Somebeachsomewhere half-brother to Tall Dark Stranger. “He’s a beautiful colt,” said Pelling, who went to last fall’s yearling sales with a specific breed in mind. “I went after the “Beaches,” Pelling said, referring to the offering of the late Somebeachsomewhere. “I couldn’t be happier with the group. They were tough to break but they’re the complete package.” While the stakes guide has yet to come out, Pelling suggested that he will have Papi Rob Hanover ready for the three big races that come quite early in the season. “Those six weeks are demanding,” Pelling said in looking at the North America Cup, Max Hempt Memorial and Meadowlands Pace. With last year’s success, Pelling has filled up his 27-stall barn completely and has been forced to turn away some horses. Two major additions to the stable came via Adam Bowden’s Diamond Creek Racing that sent over the 4-year-old Blood Money and the 5-year-old Grand Teton. “Together they’ve won more than a million dollars,” said Pelling, who hopes to point the pair for Open-type company in the near future.  Upgrading the stable is what it’s all about now for Pelling, having gone from nearly $1 million in stable earnings in 2018 to $2.2 million in 2019. “I’ve got a few horses in the non-winners category that I’ll probably try to move,” said Pelling. While much will be expected from Caviart Ally and Papi Rob Hanover in 2020, Pelling feels he could have a sleeper in the 3-year-old pacing filly Alexis’s Beach. “She showed some talent last year,” said Pelling. “The owner wanted to stop with her and I think that was the right move.” A daughter of Somebeachsomewhere, Alexis’s Beach took a 1:53 4/5 record while winning twice in 2019. Before stakes season begins in earnest Pelling’s stable has gotten off to a fast start at The Meadowlands, with the blossoming 4-year-old Duddies Lor showing particular promise with consecutive victories in 2020. He’s another Somebeachsomewhere and a solid example of the faith Pelling has in this particular breed with his high speed and rugged demeanor. Seems when it comes to the Pelling stable it’s beach season year round.