Trainer Jason DaCosta and jockey Robert Halledeen were in sync Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Caymanas Park, teaming up for a double as American-bred pair of Imjustagirl and Pepper Stepper both delivered eye-catching wins.

Imjustagirl (Girvin – Summer In Midway) kept her perfect record intact, landing her second-straight victory after a similarly dominant debut. The race was a Restricted Stakes contest for imported three-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three) and native-bred three-year-olds and upward and native-bred four-year-old (non-winners of four) over 7 furlongs (1,400m).

The bay filly showed early speed at the off, leading the way down the backstretch ahead of Any Means (Tevin Foster), Mulligan Man (Reyan Lewis), and Olivia D’Oro (Dane Dawkins). Imjustagirl travelled comfortably going into the half-mile (800m), and kicked clear even when not asked to in deep stretch to seal back-to-back wins with plenty in hand by 8 ¼ lengths.

She’s now two from two and looks like one to follow as she climbs the ranks. Finishing second was Any Means and finishing third was Mulligan Man. The final time for the race was 1:24.2 (23.3 x 46.4 x 1:11.4).

Later on the card, Pepper Stepper (Tunwoo – Ribbing) lived up to his morning exercise, breaking his maiden in equally impressive fashion. The bay colt jumped well in the 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m), settled nicely on the headline.

He set the pace ahead of Iam Who I Am (Raddesh Roman) and Unbelievable Power (Ian Spence) going into the half-mile turn. Pepper Stepper then powered home when Halledeen called on him in the lane.

It was a professional first-out effort that suggests there’s more to come as he won by 6 lengths ahead of
Unbelievable Power and Iam Who I Am in that order. The final time was 1:06.4 (23.1 x 46.4 x 59.4).

Two horses, two wins, one hot trainer-jockey combo. DaCosta and Halledeen are hitting their stride with the imports, and both Imjustagirl and Pepper Stepper look like names you’ll be hearing again soon.

Robert Halledeen is a mere pilot as Imjustagirl easily brushes aside rivals in a Restricted Stakes contest at Caymanas Park on Saturday, May 9, 2026.(Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Trainer Jason DaCosta (left) and jockey Robert Halledeen discussing the win by Imjustagirl on Saturday, 9, 2026. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)