by
john manzi for the Billings Series
Two
trots in the season-long C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Series were presented
at Freehold Raceway on Saturday (May 16) and when the judges declared them
official Dave “Linemaster” Ehrenberg II and James “Jimmy Boy” Marshall IV each
emerged victorious in their respective splits. Ehrenberg scored with Fuel Cell
in 1:59.4 and Marshall won behind Flowing James in a 2:01.3 clocking.
For
Ehrenberg and Fuel Cell it turned out to be a laugher when a breaking horse on
the outside interfered with two others in the race which allowed Fuel Cell to
scoot away to an easy lead from the pole position.
Once
on top Fuel Cell encountered little resistance as Ehrenberg kept the pedal to
the metal as they trotted by the first stanza in :29.1 as they rebuffed any
early challenges.
At
the halfway point Fuel Cell had two on Stand Guard and
“Mighty Matt” Zuccarello as the timer flashed :59.3. From there Ehreberg played
catch me if you can and Fuel Cell opened the lead to nine lengths at the
three quarters and coasted home an oh-so-easy 10-length winner.
Tony
“the Capo” Verruso came from far back to finish second with Sam’s Honeybee, who
was a length better than Ballagio Hanover, handled by Steve “You’re Never Too”
Oldford.
Sent
off as the favorite in the race Fuel Cell paid $4.20 for win. He is owned by
his driver and trained by Bruce Lauer. It marked Ehrenberg’s second driving
victory of the season and the 47th of his amateur driving
career.
In
the other division Flowing James had a new driver in “Jimmy Boy” Marshall IV
but the youngster proved he was equally adept in getting the veteran trotter to
the winners circle as were a couple of professional drivers who handled
the lines in previous contests.
As
the wings of the mobile gate folded Marshall sent Flowing James to the lead
from the five-hole and they easily had command early -on and they had a three
length lead as the field passed the first stanza in :29.1.
Heading
to the halfway point favored Casanova Lindy and driver “Hot-Handed
Hannah” Miller were on the limb and they got no respect from “Jimmy Boy” who
kept them in the fresh air. Scott “The Driving Doctor” Woogen, with Sleek N
Beautiful, were tight on Marshall’s back from the get-go and refused to
yield any room along the pylons.
Up
the backside Prince Lauxmont and “Smokin’ Joe” Faraldo tried a three-deep
move with Prince Lauxmont with hopes of circling Miller’s steed but they barely
got by Casanova Lindy.
As
the field headed for paydirt there was no catching Flowing James and he sailed
under the wire a solid length winner over Doc Woogen’s trotter. Prince
Lauxmont. “Smokin’ Joe” did however, end up third best with Prince Lauxmont.
Flowing
James, owned and trained by Tara Hynes, scored his sixth seasonal triumph and
returned a $5.60 win mutuel. For Marshall, it was his second driving victory in
eight starts this year and third in 14 career outings.
Presently
Steve Oldford’s 38 points are seven better than Hannah Miller’s 31. Tony
Verruso’s 24 is third best and James Marshall and Doc Woogen, each with 20
points,are tied for fourth on the Billings’ leaderboard.
