Ideal Newton stayed perfect in 2009 for trainer Noel Daley by pulling off an upset win in the $25,000 Open Handicap pace for fillies and mares

on Wednesday night at Pocono Downs.

The four-year-old daughter of Western Ideal moved up to the Open level after winning back-to-back conditioned events at Pocono to start her season, but that didn’t stop her from posting the winning effort in 1:52.1.

Leaving from post four, Ideal Newton and driver Andrew McCarthy settled for a three-hole trip in the early going. McCarthy picked up cover behind the 6-5 favourite, Esmeralda Semalu, as the field made its way into the backstretch for the final time.

Ideal Newton tipped out three-wide in the stretch and hauled down pacesetter Nip N Attack by three-quarters of a length. Thong rallied to grab the show dough in the eight-mare affair.

It was the eight win of the season for Ideal Newton, who is owned by Adam Victor & Son Stable LLC of New York, NY. She has banked in excess of $255,000 to date.

(Pocono Downs)