The champion of the 2023 MGM Borgata Pacing Series final, Hellabalou, re-entered the competitive arena after a two-month hiatus with a triumphant performance in the qualifying rounds on Saturday, 24th February at The Meadowlands.
Now aged six, this millionaire offspring of Sweet Lou and Magestic Blue Chip clinched victory in 10 races last year, with seven of those triumphs achieved on half-mile tracks. His personal best time of 1:48.4 was recorded at the age of three during the 2021 Delvin Miller Adios at The Meadows, a five-eighth mile circuit. While he seems to excel on smaller tracks, his recent performance on Saturday indicated that track size might not be a significant factor for him.
Under the expert guidance of David Miller, Hellabalou led from start to finish against his three competitors. Posting fractions of :29, :56.4, and 1:25, a swift :27.3 final segment was enough to stave off a late challenge from Dontpassme Hanover, resulting in a winning mile time of 1:52.3.
Hellabalou is under the tutelage of trainer Mickey Burke, representing Burke Racing Stable LLC, Eric Good, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, and Larry Karr.
Another Burke-trained contender, Beach Cowgirl, also made her 2024 debut at The Meadowlands' qualifiers. Joining the Burke Brigade towards the end of the previous season, Beach Cowgirl, piloted by Miller, secured a wire-to-wire victory in 1:54.1.
The four-year-old Beach Cowgirl, sired by Captaintreacherous and Stonebridge Sundae, boasts a career-best time of 1:49.4, achieved in her most recent outing on 9th December, along with earnings of $392,285 for owners Joseph Di Scala Jr, Zippett Racing Stable, Scarlett Stables LLC, and JAF Racing LLC.