by John Manzi for the Billings Series
The only truly American
international amateur driving program, the CKG Billings harness driving series,
moved north of the border to Canada on Friday night, August 16 for a pacing
event at Grand River Raceway and it turned into a laugher when Dabunka romped
to an incredible 15-length triumph with Chris Long at the controls.
Sent off as the odds-on
favorite in the odds-on favorite in the eight-horse field Dabunka navigated the
mile distance in a stunning 1:55.3.
When the starter said “go”
Long hustled his charge to the lead from the two-hole and played catch me if
you can. And nobody could.
The veteran pacer zipped
through the first two stanzas in 28 and :57 with only a one length lead over Eas
Ideal (F. Bourgault). But when Dabunka headed up the backside he was in high
gear and opened up seven lengths on the field as he passed the three quarters
in 1:26.1. But as the 8-year old Mattnamaras Band gelding rounded the final
turn he had 10 lengths on his competition which was opened to 15 lengths at the
wire.
Lautner Seelster rallied to
finish second for Julie Walker while Issac Waxman took home the show dough with
Remus Blue Chip.
Dabunka notched his fifth
seasonal victory and paid $3.80 for win.
