WHILE the future of any young racehorse is always uncertain, there is no doubt that the Jason DaCosta-conditioned Lovisa has a promising future after a noticeable debut win on Saturday, September 28, 2024.

Owned by Lisa Watson, Lovisa easily brushed aside rivals by 3 ½ lengths to win the $1.01-million Betting, Gaming, and Lotteries Commission (BGLC)/Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) Millionaire Series #1. The contest was a maiden-conditioned race for native-bred and imported two-year-olds over four furlongs (800m).

Out of the gates, Lovisa broke sharply, vying for the lead alongside Sash It (Victor Sanchez), Foxy (Paul Francis), and Flag of Victory (Omar Walker). The quartet matched strides through the early stages.

As they approached the dummy rails, Halledeen made his move, urging Lovisa forward. Responding instinctively, the filly accelerated to effortlessly put away rivals.

With Halledeen in perfect sync, Lovisa cruised to an easy win, demonstrating her class and potential. Unspun (Michael Semple) finished second and Sash It came home third. The winning time was 47.3 seconds

DaCosta hailed Lovisa’s impressive victory, praising the chestnut filly’s professionalism and potential.

“Lovisa was working well from her two-year-old debut (August 1), but unfortunately she had a mishap in the starting gates. This time she did everything right. She stayed with the field and kicked away in the last furlong and a half, and that’s all I can ask for,” DaCosta reflected in an interview with the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

DaCosta attributed Lovisa’s success to fundamental training.

“It’s about teaching them the basics. You have to teach them how to break from the gates, how to get out of the starting gates fast, and racing manners, that is to behave when in the starting gates and also in the paddock. Just like raising a child, you must guide them every step,” DaCosta explained.

With high hopes for Lovisa’s future, DaCosta concluded: “Hopefully, she will continue to improve and keep sound and healthy, and we hope she will be one of the top two-year-olds this season.”