Chocolateforlunch (Dali) marched from the back to score an 18-1 harness racing upset in the Fillies and Mares Pop-Up Series Final on Thursday (Jan. 9) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Trevor Henry dropped the mare back to ninth from post six as Mystic Red Rose (Phil Hudon) drove on to take the lead at the quarter in :27.3. Chocolateforlunch shifted out just after that first station and caught cover behind Charmbo Stormy (Austin Sorrie), racing third-over to the half in :56.4.
Henry right-lined the mare again approaching three-quarters in 1:26.3 and fanned her widest coming off the final turn. Charmbo Stormy struck the front at the top of the lane but was hounded by Chocolateforlunch, who gained rapidly in mid-stretch. The leader re-rallied late to cling to her advantage, but Chocolateforlunch fought past her in the final strides to prevail by a head in 1:55.2.
Charmbo Stormy took the place cheque. Fated Fire (James MacDonald) closed for third.
CHOCOLATEFORLUNCH REPLAY
Chocolateforlunch was making her third start for trainer Derick Anderson and owner Scott Mason after they claimed her on Dec. 19. The five-year-old mare is seven-for-81 lifetime with $74,993 in earnings.
Woodbine Mohawk Park holds its next card on Friday, Jan. 10, beginning at 6:30 p.m. EST.
For complete race results, click here.
by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink