To Helen Back Looking For A Stud

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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."

Comments

I agree with Norm. Gotta be Rock N Roll or Rock N Roll Heaven. If they want a foal eligible to a slot enhanced SS program like New York, I'd suggest Art Major or American Ideal.

If the foal would be retained then I would suggest Camluck or Lis Mara. Camluck would be a bit of an "outcross" as they only share Meadow Skipper in the first 5 generations. Additionally Camluck's line has done well with her family (half sister Helena Handbag and aunts Shes So Lucky and Good To Be Lucky). Lis Mara, being by Cambest, may provide the same kick as Camluck and a cross with Lis Mara would provide a doubling up (2x4) of siblings Lismore and Albert Albert.

If the foal is for the market, then a more commercially popular sire would probably be best.

Best wishes to To Helen Back for a long and healthy second career.

L Phelps

First of all: congrats to a great race mare, her owners and all those involved in helping To Helen Back achieve such a remarkable career. Hopefully she can go on and have a very successful second career.

My mating choices would be Jeremes Jet or Western Ideal. Also worthy of consideration would be Quik Pulse Mindale or Mach Three.

Astronomical

This is a "No-Brainer"

Has to be "Mach Three"

'Take to a stallion the best blood of his mother'

Camluck

I would go to the Matts Scooter line. My number one choice would be Mach Three in Canada or Somebeachsomewere in Pa.
Claude Brault

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