by john manzi for Billings
Series
Some members of the CKG
Billings Amateur Drivers Series including the Glasser brothers, David and
Neil, ventured north of the border to participate in races at two different
Canadian racetracks. On Sunday (Oct. 2) the battle was at Flamboro
Downs which will be followed on Monday (Oct. 3) at Mohawk Racetrack.
The event marked the first
time that brothers David “Poppa” Glasser and Neil “Skinny Legger” Glasser
competed against one another in a betting contest.
However, the Sunday race
proposed challenges for the Glasser’s. First they had to move their Rosh
Hashanah celebration to Saturday prior to leaving for Flamboro Downs on
Sunday, the first day of the weeklong religious celebration. But that the
brothers were in the same race posed a dilemma for their mother, Evelyn, who
said, "I cannot cheer for either of you because then I'm cheering
against the other."
Undaunted, the
Glasser boys went about the business of amateur racing venturing to Ontario
with both having their sights set on victory in Canada, which, by no means,
was a given.
However, luck was on
David’s side. He not only drew the favorite in the race but one that was an
overwhelming bettor’s choice. The combination of a hot favorite and a good
journey allowed the older Glasser brother to score an easy six-length victory
with LMC Mass Oak in a 2:02 clocking over Windsong Lekeobnav and driver “Mighty
Matt” Zuccarello. Third place went to Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford who
got 30-1 shot, Muscle Action, home for the show dough.
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“In this Billings travel
race, thankfully and luckily for me, the race secretary insisted on a
one-hundred percent random draw for horses and I luckily drew the best horse.
Sometimes trainers request a driver,” David Glasser said and then added, “I've
never been 1-9 before in any race and this horse was really good. All I had to
do was steer.”
When the race was official
and the winner’s prices were posted backers of LMC Mass Oak received $2.20,
$2.20; and $2.30 across the board. The Muscle Mass 4 year-old gelding is owned
by Loredana and Frank Cirillo and trained by Ken Riebeling.
You might ask what happened
to the other Glasser brother. Unfortunately Neil’s horse, Sky Angel, made a
break behind the gate and was never in the hunt finishing ninth. But with David
winning at least momma Glasser had something to cheer about.
