MINEOLA, a three-year-old bay filly bred by Casual Trick – Sweet Trail, easily released the maiden tag on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

Trained by Jason DaCosta and ridden by Robert Halledeen, Mineola dominated a $1.05-million maiden condition race for native-bred three-year-olds, covering the 7½-furlong (1,500m) course in impressive style.

After 14 starts Mineola finally broke through to victory, winning the race by a commanding seven lengths. Her speed and pace were on full display as she effortlessly cruised past her competitors, leaving them in her dust. The clock stopped at 1:37.4 minutes, with Mineola’s splits reading 24.3, 48.3, 1:16.0, and 1:30.2.

Mineola broke well at the gate, taking the lead by a narrow margin. However, Halledeen eased her back, allowing
You’re My Sweetie (Dane Dawkins) and Chasing My Dream (Garvin Harris) to take the front spots down the backstretch.

Mineola’s patience paid off as she bided her time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. As they entered the half mile (800m) turn Halledeen urged her forward and Mineola surged to the front, taking command with ease.

From there, it was a stroll in the park for Mineola, cruising home to a convincing victory ahead of Papi Uso (Dick Cardenas) and He’s Sensational (Shaheem Gordon).

— Ruddy Allen