The father-son team of trainer Brett and driver Jack Pelling unveiled a pair of sharp three-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 two-year-old, by a nose in 1:55. Charleston, who was second in the Shes A Great Lady, Breeders Crown and Kindergarten finals last year, is owned by Diamond Creek Racing.

North America Cup eligible Combustion, a son of Captaintreacherous who won over $315,000 at two including a second-place finish in the Governor’s Cup and a third in the Breeders Crown, connected in 1:53.1 for Team Pelling. Diamond Creek Racing is also a co-owner of this colt along with Thomas and Scott Dillon, and Cooper Silva Stables. Combustion is among the top 10 ranked contenders in TROT Magazine's 2023 Pepsi North America Cup Spring Book.

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 despite a first-over journey. The daughter of Always B Miki, now five, was driven by George Brennan for trainer Nik Drennan and owners Joseph Davino, Brad Shackman, Anthony Perretti Farm LLC and Drennan Stable LLC.

(With files from PHHA/Harrah's Philadelphia)