Harrah's Philadelphia: Pelling 3-year-olds turn in sharp qualifiers

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 qualifying 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 over $290,000 at 2 including a second in the Governor’s Cup and a third in his Breeders Crown, connected in 1:53 1/5 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 2/5 despite a first-over journey. The daughter of Always B Miki, now 5, was driven by George Brennan for trainer Nik Drennan and owners Joseph Davino, Brad Shackman, Anthony Perretti Farm LLC, and Drennan Stable LLC.

-edited release (PHHA/Harrah's Philadelphia)