To Helen Back Looking For A Stud

One of Ontario's most consistent pacing mares over the past few seasons is joining the broodmare ranks in 2011 and her connections are looking for suggestions on a worthy suitor

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Trot Insider has learned that Mike & Anne Shunock's prized pacer To Helen Back is officially retired after six seasons competing against the best distaffers in harness racing. The Astreos - Rocket Science mare heads to the breeding shed with a mark of 1:49.4 taken at 3 (equalled at 5) and more than $1.3 million in earnings.

"She came to race every week, and really never had a bad one," said regular driver Mike Saftic. "She was always a good finisher and while she didn't win any of the big stakes she was one who always seemed to grind out money."

Saftic guided To Helen Back to her 25th career win on July 30 in the Fillies & Mares Open at Mohawk Racetrack but the one he remembers most fondly came the month before at Flamboro Downs when the tandem upset Dreamfair Eternal in the 2010 Ellamony Final.

"Sentimentally, her last big win in the Ellamony, winning that race I will always remember," stated Saftic. "After driving Ellamony, that was an extra-special win for me."

In six seasons on the track, To Helen Back managed at least $165,000 every year. Saftic attributes that consistency to both the connections managing the mare properly while also crediting the mare herself.

"She was a nice individual, a big, strong mare with a physical presence. You knew by looking at her that she was a good one."

With one difficult decision down, another looms. Who should To Helen Back be bred to in 2011? Saftic and the Shunocks are asking for advice and opinions.

"I'm not sure who they're breeding her to and the owners are open to suggestions," notes Saftic. "I can say that it will be great to see her foals race."