by john manzi for the Billings Amateur Driving Series
After
a very competitive year the top nine drivers with the most points in the
western region of the seven- month CKG Billings Amateur Driving Series convened
at Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway on Saturday night, November 12 for the
$10,000 regional final and when the judges declared the trotting contest
official “Tiny Tim” Miller and Vaya Con Dios romped to an easy three-length
triumph in a 1:57.2 clocking. It marked the second time this season that Miller
has driven the 6-year old Conway Hall gelding to victory in Billings
action.
After
starting from the two-hole Miller worked out a picture perfect journey en route
to victory.
When
the wings of the gate folded Miler settled his charge down along the pylons and
was in third position at the first stanza in :28.1 as Ned “the Insurance Agent”
Hodkinson had Mutinyonthebounty on the lead.
Despite
Dave “Linemaster” Ehrenberg’s TK’s Jelly Belly pressuring Hodkinson’s
trotter on the outside still Mutinyonthebounty got first call as the field sped
by the halfway point in :58. After putting away TK’s Jelly Belly
Mutinyonthebounty appeared to be in complete control as he trotted by the third
quarter in 1:27.2.. However, when the field headed for home company began to
arrive with the presence of Upfront Chip Daddy (Michelle “the Belle”Ruvola) and
Vaya Con Dios. Both the aforementioned trotted by Mutinyonthebounty in the deep
stretch but it was “Tiny Tim’s” Vaya Con Dios-- who had a two-hole
journey all the way-- who rallied to victory. Upfront Chip Daddy finished
second while Mutinyonthebouny faded and finished third.
Vaya
Con Dios, owned by JMF Racing and trained by JD Wengerd, was sent off the
betting favorite in the race and returned a $4.00 win payoff.
For
Tim Miller it was fifth driving victory this season in just 17 trips to post,
and the 40th of his amateur racing career which began in 2001.
Tomorrow
evening (Nov. 13) at Pocono Downs the Billings final in the east region will be
contested. Then the following Sunday the Delvin Miller Gold and Silver Cup
Champions will be presented at Harrah’s Chester Downs.
