HP Mama B, a two-time O'Brien Award runner-up, made a momentous debut on the track this year, marking a significant milestone in her career, during Monday morning's qualifiers at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Developed and raised by Ben Baillargeon, the six-year-old filly sired by Royalty For Life showcased her sheer dominance on the track. She effortlessly seized control in a condensed group, dictating the pace and trotting to triumph in 1:56.3 with Mario Baillargeon in the driver's seat. She established various intervals of:31, 1:01.2, and 1:29.4 before accelerating in:26.4 to cross the finish line a staggering 27 lengths ahead of the young fillies P L Rainbow Dash and Ring The Alarm, who were making their first appearance of the season.
HP Mama B had an impressive year, earning close to $250,000. She showcased her talent by defeating male competitors in Preferred action at Mohawk and achieving top-three finishes in both the Breeders Crown and Dayton Oaks, two prestigious Grand Circuit events.
Sorcha Seelster, a three-year-old sibling to the two-time O'Brien Award winner Stockade Seelster, set the morning's fastest mile pace. In her second qualifying start this season, the young filly surpassed Cheese Party, the winner of the Battle of Belles Stakes, with an impressive final time of 26.1. Despite drifting wide off the final turn, driver Bob McClure guided her to a five-length victory in 1:54.3.
John Pentland is responsible for training a young female horse that comes from the lineage of the highly successful Soiree Seelster, a winner in multiple Ontario Sires Stakes races.