Shady Matilda pulls a stunner at The Meadows

Shady Matilda kicked off the new year in improbable fashion when she scored a stunning 22-1 upset over the venerable Jans Luck in the $25,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Pace on Monday's 2010 season-opening card at The Meadows.

 

Jans Luck, winner of 15 races and $248,185 last year, was sent off the 1-2 favorite and led the field through a comfortable :58.1 half. What's more, Shady Matilda was stuck outside behind dawdling cover and trailed by 4 1/2 lengths at the three-quarter pole. But when Brett Miller sent Shady Matilda wider still, the 8-year-old Shady Character-Shore Drive mare gobbled up ground and downed Jans Luck by a head in 1:55.4. Bottom Dealer saved ground to finish third at 88-1.

 

James Perry Jr. trains Shady Matilda, who pushed her career bankroll to $183,111, for Joann Perry.

 

Miller drove four winners on the 15-race card while Tony Hall and Aaron Merriman each fashioned a driving triple. Trainers Bethie Murdock and Dane Snyder also enjoyed three-baggers. (The Meadows)