by John Manzi, for the
Billings Series
Northfield, Ohio—Winning
Billings trots in the midwest region is getting to be a habit for Steve “You're
Never Too” Oldford. The talented reinsman from Michigan, who is also the vice
president of the CKG Billings Harness Driving Series, scored an easy
wire-to-wire triumph with Stirling Boudica in 1:58.3 Sunday night at Northfield
Park. It was Oldford's second consecutive victory there.
Sent off as the 4-5 favorite
from the five-hole Oldford did what should be done when one has the best horse
in the race. He sent the 8-year-old daughter of Malabar Man immediately to the
lead in a :28.1 first quarter and once in command, and with no challengers,
Oldford was able to tap the brakes as his mare led Tipontab ,and driver Cubbie
Van Wagoner, to the mid-way point in :58.1.
First to move was “Marvelous
Marvin” Raber when he took aim at the leader with Buckeye Patty when the field
straightened up he backside. But they never did get alongside the leaders, Around
the final turn Stirling Boudica was in front with Tipontab still following her
and at this point Oldford's mare appeared strong-- and she was-- and rambled
home a two-length winner with Tipontab second best.
Meanwhile, Buckeye Patty
stalled, which allowed Better Call Saul and “Michelle the Belle” Ruvola to
rally and both horses were inseparable for the show dough when they reached the
finish line.
Racing his stock at
Northfield Park has been fruitful for Oldford. He won a Billings trot for the
third time is as many weeks and he has been victorious in five of his last six
trips to post. Currently with 12 wins and a .328 UDR, it has vaulted him into
the running for National Amateur Driver of the Year, an honor Oldford won a few
years ago.
The winner, Stirling
Boudica, is owned by Oldford Racing and trained by Kody Massey. She paid $3.40.
And for Oldford it marked his 142nd lifetime driving victory..
