by John Manzi, for the Billings Series

Monticello, NY — The second and final event for the traveling members of the C.K.G. Billings Harness Drivers Series who ventured to Canada was contested at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Monday evening (May 28) and when the judges posted the official sign Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford, up behind Adversity, romped over eight others in a 1:56.3 clocking.

“We started slow but finished strong,” Oldfield said via telephone after his driving victory.

When the wings of the mobile gate folded, “Buffalo Bob” Davis gunned Burnin Money to the front and they led the field by the first stanza in :28 with Oldfield viewing the front-end action as he settled his charge down along the pylons in fifth position, some seven lengths back of the leader.

“Everyone found a hole and we were all following Bob’s (Davis) lead and he rolled on to a three length lead as he took us by the half in :57,” Oldford explained. “And as we headed for the three-quarters Burnin Money’s strides began to shorten and many of us were looking to move up.”

First to do so was Robert “Call Me Bobby” Ciavardini with Overcomebyvictory, followed by Oldford with the eventual winner.

Adversity cleared and by the time they rounded the final turn he was three lengths in front. Pierre Trudeau followed Oldford’s lead with Charmbro Chrome and they were third as the field headed for home. But in the lane Overcomebyvictory faded and Charmbro Chrome finished second while Blameitonthewhisky (“Racin” Jason” Sgrignouli) got up for third money. Overcomebyictory was just that as he faded to fourth.

Adversity is owned by Jemaxpo Racing Stable and is trained by Jason Ryan. Sent off as the odds-on favorite, Adversity paid $3.40 for win.