Oldford wins Tim Fouts Memorial
September 23, 2020,Delaware, OH — “He was a handful and all I did was steady him and let him ramble,” Steve Oldford said, citing Missile J’s stunning 1:54 triumph in the Tim Fouts Memorial at Delaware, Ohio, on Sept. 20.
“He’s got a big engine and sometimes a mind of his own, so instead of looking for a hole when the gate sprung I just steadied him and he did all the rest.”
Oldford was referring to his stunning 1:54 victory at the home of the Little Brown Jug in a race that featured top amateur drivers from various United States amateur clubs in what has become an annual event.
“After starting from the five-hole little did I realize that I was going to get the fastest ride of my life on a double-oval,” Oldford added.
At the quarter Daniel Jones and Cyclone Alvie wouldn’t relinquish the lead when Missile J came calling and the two pacers got locked in a speed duel by that marker in :27.1 And with Oldfield’s charge in command they zipped by the half in :54.4.
From there it was literally ‘ballgame’ as the 7-year-old American Ideal gelding opened daylight on his competitors and finished some six lengths ahead of Noah Z Tam who was driven by Jazmin Arnold. Tony Ciuffetelli garnered the show dough with The Smidge.
Owned by Black Magic Racing and trained by Todd Luther, Missile J returned a $3.40 win mutuel.