by Carol Hodes, for the SBOA of New Jersey

Manalapan, NJ — Chilitodayhotamale, newly paired with driver George Brennan, fired to the lead early and drew off to a 16 length victory in a stakes record equaling 1:56.3 in the $50,000 Helen Dancer on Friday (Sept. 7) at Freehold Raceway.

Helene Gregory/World Wide Racing photo

Chilitodayhotamale scored a stakes record equaling 1:56.3 win in the Helen Dancer on Friday at Freehold.

Odds on favorite Aunt Mel, who carried a three-race winning streak, broke in the first turn and a strong challenge from Riverfest failed when she also broke stride on the final turn, leaving Chilitodayhotamale, a daughter of Muscles Yankee–Miss Molly Tamale, the easiest of winners in the stakes for 3-year-old New Jersey-sired trotting fillies, sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey.

Her seventh race clocking matched the 1:56.3 stakes record established by another daughter of Muscles Yankee, Muscle Shirt, in 2008.

Chilitodayhotamale ($9.20, $5.00 — no show wagering) picked up her second win with three seconds in 11 starts this year. Lifetime, the Trond Smedshammer trainee has finished first or second in 10 of 19 tries. She has banked $180,811 for owner-breeder Michael D. Andrew.

Chocolatta De Vie (by Chocolatier) was second while Champagne Magic (by Yankee Glide) was 19-1/4 lengths back in third.