by john manzi for the Billings
Series
Harness
racing’s greatest traveling roadshow, the CKG Billings Amateur Driving Series,
moved on to Saratoga Raceway for a trotting contest on July 9th
and when it was over newcomer Evan “Hoagy” Hoagland emerged victorious
with Tapit in a 1:58.2 clocking.
Earlier
this year “Hoagy” was driving in qualifying races in order to earn the
right to compete in pari-mutuel races. and after showing his abilities the
judges granted him a provisional license.
With
14 previous pari-mutuel drives where he garnered four seconds and three thirds
his 15th drive was a charm for the 21-year-old. when his first
pari-mutuel win came in the Billings trot at his home track in upstate
New York..
Sent
off as second choice from the four hole in today’s eight horse contest
Hoagland found room along the pylons in third position before the field
trotted by the first panel in a swift :27.4. As the field headed to the halfway
point in :57.3 Hoagland moved Tapit first-up and progressed toward the
lead which they finally gained as the three quarter timer flashed l:27.2.
When the field headed for paydirt Tapit was well in charge and coasted home an
easy four-length winner.
Despite
road trouble “Bay State Bob” Kenney and Top of Page came from fifth the three
quarters and negotiated their way clear to rally for second money.
Third place went to the betting favorite, The Franchise, driven by Bob “the
Headhunter” Hechkoff.
In
winning the Billings trot today Tapit paid $8.00. She scored a seasonal best
clocking and increased her lifetime earnings to over $102,000. The 6-year-old
Justice Hall mare is owned by Hoagland Racing LLC and trained by Kyle Spagnola
.
