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 3/4-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.

Evan PATTAK