Monticello, NY --- There were three C.K.G. Billings amateur trots on the 13-race card at Goshen Historic Track last Saturday (July 4) and of the 17 drivers who competed five were women. The gals may have been out numbered but when the dust had settled they were not out-driven. Two divisions were won by the ladies while “Pacin’ Peter” Gerry’s victory saved face for the men.
In no surprise to anyone the first division saw “Hurricane Hannah” Miller, the hottest driver in amateur racing today, guide Casanova Lindy to a seven length triumph over Bobby “Rapid Rail” Krivelin and Gimme The Loot in a time of 2:00.4. And after making a break at the start, Starsaboveallerage finished third for Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford.
For Hannah it was her 20th winning drive in amateur competition this year, and with 11 seconds and 10 thirds to go along with her victories she is now coasting along with a lofty .491 UDR. And as an added bonus, for the first time Hannah was joined in the winner's circle by her proud parents.
A second Billings division was also won by a lady when “California Karen” Isbell got her own Truth In Action up in the final strides to collar Nautilus De Vie and driver Dave “Steady As” Yarock in a 2:05.4 clocking. Linda B and “Mighty Matt” Zuccarello finished third.
In from the west coast where she was competing at Cal Expo it was “California Karen’s” third driving victory this season. Currently with three wins, one second and three thirds in 14 starts, she is carrying a very respectable .325 UDR.
But it took “Pacin’ Peter” Gerry’s victory with Candid Man in a third Billings split to keep the boys off the schneid. However, Gerry’s victory wasn’t an easy one as he had to continually urge the altered son of Malabar Man down the homestretch. And his urging wasn’t in vain when he rallied Candid Man to overtake Tony “the Capo” Verruso and pace-setting Drill Sergeant Sam in the deep stretch in a time of 2:07.2. Up from Florida where she used to race regularly at Pompano Park, “Sunshine Miriam” Toland took home the show dough with Jim’s Little Red.
For Peter Gerry his victory was his first of the season and the first in three years. Still the venture capitalist was as happy as a kid with candy.
“It sure feels great to win even though it took a while to do it,” he said.
In his long and storied career “Pacin Peter,” the former longtime president of the Billings Series, notched his 81st amateur driving victory.