Nutella Fella Another Stakes Upsetter For Contessa In Hopeful

[Wandering Eyes]

Dismissed as the 54-1 second-longest price on the board in Monday's closing-day GI Hopeful S. at Saratoga off a modestly rated Delaware debut, NUTELLA FELLA (c, 2, Runhappy–Krissy's Candy, by Candy Ride {Arg}) gave the gate crew some trouble while loading and was last away in the bulky field, but saved his best for last to cause a massive boilover. It was bookend upsets at the meet for trainer Gary Contessa, who also sent out the debuting Becky's Joker (Practical Joke) to a 21-1 surprise in the opening-day GIII Schuylerville S. Last to load, the $12,000 Keeneland September graduate raced in a detached last, as a four-way speed battle developed up front. After tacking onto the rest of the field approaching the three-eighths pole, Nutella Fella was committed to an inside run into the stretch before swinging out in search of running room a short time after. Making headway on the wide outside, Nutella Fella began to catch the eye as favored 'TDN Rising Star' Timberlake (Into Mischief) was muscling through towards the front inside the final furlong, but he could not resist the late energy from Nutella Fella, who edged clear while racing on his incorrect lead. 'TDN Rising Star' Pirate (Omaha Beach) covered ground and ran on bravely for third. Sales history: $12,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. O-Bell Gable Stable LLC; B-Ashview Farm (KY); T-Gary Contessa.

 

NUTELLA FELLA, by @claibornefarm stallion Runhappy, wins the Grade 1 Hopeful at 54-1 odds with @JuniorandKellyA aboard for trainer @GaryContessa! #Saratoga pic.twitter.com/BObNqARckt

— NYRA () (@TheNYRA) September 4, 2023

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