by john manzi for the CKG Billings Series
In
her first start in this season’s CKG Billings Series last year’s Amateur Driver
of the Year, “Hurricane Hannah” Miller earned a trip to the winners circle
after she guided Shanghai Jack to a come-from behind 1:59.2 trotting victory at
Monticello Raceway on Wednesday, April 20.
Sent
off as second choice in the seven- horse field the talented miss worked out a
picture-perfect two- hole journey to defeat the pace-setter, Sing Out and
driver Bob “The Headhunter” Hechkoff.
When
the gate sprung, Hechkoff gunned his trotter to the lead and Miller settled in
behind him as Sing Out led the field by the first panel in a swift :28.3
seconds. From there Miller played follow the leader as they passed the half in
:59 and the leaders were still one-two as they trotted by the three quarters in
1:29.
Miller
was content to follow Hechkoff around the final turn but when they straightened
for home she eased Shanghai Jack out to challenge and a stretch duel ensued.
Under mild urging Shanghai Jack got up in the final strides to collar Sing Out
for a neck victory. Third place went to For You Almostfree, driven by “Smokin’
Joe” Faraldo.
“We
recently purchased him (Shanghai Jack) and this was the first time that I have
driven him,” Hannah said as she handed
the lines to the caretaker upon returning to the paddock after her victory. “He
stays at his work and he’s such a nice horse to drive.”
A
recent purchase by Hannah’s dad, Ervin Miller, Shanghai Jack paid $7.40 for
win. For Hannah it was her sixth driving victory thus far in 2016. Last year
she won 32 races and now has 47 career
wins in just 164 lifetime drives.
Today's
race was the second leg of the Billings Series this year. The first was at
Pompano Park on April 16 and both races there were won by Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford.
Later this month Hannah will join Oldford and
“Joltin Joe” Pennacchio, Dein “the Dream” Spriggs, and “Iron Mike” Mitchell
when the five-some travel to Naples,
Italy to drive against a contingent of Italian amateurs in a Friendship
Competition slated for April 29, 30 and May 1.
