In what turned out to be one of the fastest miles ever
recorded in the C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Series, Steve “You’re Never
Too” Oldford and his veteran trotter Bold Strike stopped the timer in 1:55.4
and won the Billings trot at the Red Mile on Thursday, September 25.
Oldford, who now has slipped ahead of Bob “the Headhunter”
Hechkoff in total Billings points, had little trouble getting the job
done at Lexington last night .
He gunned Bold Strike to the lead from the nine-hole
and they had two on the field as they passed the first panel in
:28.2. After a half in :57.1 Bold Strike bore out up the backside and “Lawbook
Larry” Farley surprised Oldford when he snuck up the inside of him
with Good Friend and they gained a head lead over Bold Strike at the
third stanza.
But that was the only time that Farley had command
because when the field straightened for home
Bold Strike trotted to the front
and rambled home a 1-1/4 length winner. In the deep stretch “Chicago George”
Bonomo rallied Tioga Thunder and they took home second money when they
nosed-out Farley and Good Friend in the final strides.
An understandably happy Oldford had nothing but accolades
for the competition, especially being able to compete over the hallowed Red
Mile.
“It was a good race and everyone had a good time,” Oldford
said, and then added with a chuckle,” My horse was pulling an Amish buggy six
weeks ago.”
According to Steve this was his second win in-a-row and his
third consecutive with him driving Bold Strike in Billings competition.
While conversing with him via telephone Oldford related that
there was a chance that the race would be held over to the next day.
“We had a power outage during the races and I got a little
nervous when they talked about finishing the card tomorrow,” he explained. “I
have two drives in the Billings at Batavia Downs tomorrow but thankfully the
power came back on and we got our race in. At the crack of dawn, I’ll be
starting the nine-hour drive to Batavia.”
