by John Manzi for the CKG Billings Series
Goshen, NY—The granddaddy of all amateur events,
the CKG Billings Harness Drivers Series, presented a six-horse trot on Saturday
afternoon at the Cradle of the Trotter and when the dust settled “Joltin'Joe”
Pennacchio came away with a hard-fought victory when he guided PC Foreign
Affair to a grinding 2:02.3 triumph over five others.
When the starter released the field “Bullet Bob”
Davis hustled Caravelle to the lead from the 2-hole and got away with a
soft :31.2 first panel. Sensing the slow pace Pennacchio, hustled PC Foreign
Affair toward the front-end and slowly began to move forward which quickened
the pace.
Still comfortably in front Davis braced for
challenges after a 1:02 half but Caravelle maintained solid command as he led
his competition by the three quarters in 1:32.1. At this point, PC Foreign
Affair, was forced to go three-deep around Holiday Hanover (Scott “The driving
Doctor” Woogen) and range alongside the leader. When the two straightened for
home Pennacchio had the strong horse and they drew off to a length victory.
Caravelle was second and Holiday Hanover took home the show dough.
Pennachio owns the winner who's
trained by Cory Stratton.
