by john manzi for the Billings
Series
For 36 years the CKG Billings
Amateur Driving Series has been, and still is, considered the Grand Circuit of
Amateur Racing, not only for its traveling roadshow but for bringing amateur
racing to the forefront. And because of the series’ success over the years
amateur driving clubs now dot the harness racing landscape in North America.
Yesterday, (Fri. June 23),
two races were contested at Grand River Raceway in Elora, Ontario, Can. and
tonight (June 24) the Billings Series moved back to the States with a race at
Tioga Downs. and when that event was finalized David “Poppa” Glasser made it
look easy when he guided his Celebrity Stimulus to a 1:57.4 victory over six
rivals.
When the official starter
said ‘go’ Glasser hustled his trotter to the lead from the seven-hole and they
had command at the first stanza in :28.2. With just a short breather Celebrity
Stimulus led his competition by the halfway point in :58 seconds flat.
Up the backside Glasser let
his charge ramble and they had five lengths on the field as they passed the three
quarters in 1:27.1 . From there it was catch me if you can and nobody could as
Glasser and veteran trotter coasted home a 3-1/4-length winner. Tony “the Capo”
Verruso came from far back with Sam’s Honeybee to garner the place
money and Jelectric finished third for “Buffalo Bob” Davis, who, by the
way, returned to the States after he raced in the Billings at Grand River
Raceway on last night.
Needless to say, after the
race Glasser was a happy man and responded with this email:
“I've
had Stim parked and been unable to get him to the front where he likes it best.
Tonight we were able to get there. In the third quarter I tried to open up some
distance and tonight we had the racing luck and he was ready. Team Butenschoen
always sends him ready to go, I just am not always able to get him his best
trip. Tonight I was!”
For the president of a
litigation support company it was his third winner this season and his 35th
of his amateur driving career.
Glasser owns the 7-year-old
Cantab Hall gelding who paid $4.80 for win. John Butenschoen is the horse’s
trainer.
Next Billings action will be
at the Cradle of the Trotter on Monday, July 3rd over Goshen’s
Historic Track.
