Mondavila and Joe Ramos had a surprise attack at the end of the $55,000 Don Dunham Handicap Wednesday at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
The third running of the race is named in honor of longtime security team member Don Dunham, who was trackside with his wife, Sandy, and other family members to make the trophy presentation. A retired farmer and lineman for Rush-Shelby Energy, Dunham has worked for more than a decade for Horseshoe Indianapolis’ security team. The Shelby County native currently works in the Clubhouse, assisting fans during the live racing program.
Mondavila had a good break out of the gate, but so did Hawkeye and Jose Guiterrez to their inside. They took over the top spot in the early stages of the five furlong sprint with Mondavila challenging on the outside before backing off before the only turn of the race. The rest of the field was gapping by a few lengths before they began to close in.
Once in the turn, Mondavila took a short lead as stablemate Cupid’s Runaway and Alberto Burgos began making a move three-wide around the turn.
At the head of the lane, Cupid’s Runaway had the advantage with Hawkeye holding his own along the inside. Mondavila was between horses. Midway through the stretch, Mondavila hit another gear and rallied out to the lead, scoring the title by one length over Cupid’s Runaway. Scotty’s On Edge and Marcelino Pedroza Jr. moved up late to finish third.
Mondavila paid $23.20 for the win. The four-year-old son of Mondavi is owned by Liz Klopp and Jill Patrick. Randy Klopp trains the grey gelding, who earned his first win of 2026 in the Dunham Handicap. His last win was last November when he was also ridden to victory by Ramos, a two-time leading jockey at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
“Last time, I didn’t get the trip I wanted with him (Mondavila),” explained Joe Ramos. “He has the inside post and got out there but was press the whole way. This time I was able to get out and sit and just wait for the other horses to come up. And when I asked him, he responded.”
Mondavila now has six career wins in 18 career starts. He moved his career bankroll to more than $280,000.
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