20-1 longshot upsets in feature pace

Dreamfair Helena (Bettor’s Delight) and harness racing driver Joseph Chindano, Jr. pulled off an impressive upset victory at odds of 20-1 in capturing the feature pace Monday, January 16, 2023, at Monticello Raceway.

The 6^th race saw Moonlightandroses (Cory Stratton) shoot right to the early lead from post four with Sunshine Filly (Bruce Aldrich, Jr.) grabbing the two-hole spot as they raced to the opening quarter mile in :28.1.

Coming to the half mile marker, Bullvillekarla (Jim Taggart, Jr.) then came first-over as Moonlightandroses went by the half mile in :58. On the third turn, Bullvillekarla began to fade while Dreamfair Helena, who was sitting third along the rail, now had room and Chindano took mare first-over heading down the backstretch.

Gaining ground with every stride, Dreamfair Helena collared Moonlightandroses at the three-quarters in 1:26.4. Those two raced as a pair around the final turn and then down the stretch but Dreamfair Helena was too tough, drawing off to win by three and one-half lengths in 1:56. Moonlightandroses was second with Sunshine Filly third.

DREAMFAIR HELENA REPLAY

It was the second straight win and first start of the new year for Dreamfair Helena. The seven-year-old mare is trained by Chindano and owned by Maggie Moeykens. She paid $43.40 to win.

For complete race results, click here.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink