by John Manzi, for the Delvin Miller Amateur Drivers Association

Monticello, NY — The second of a series of trotting contests for amateur drivers who are members of the C.K.G. Billings Series went to post on Friday afternoon (March 30) at Freehold Raceway and when the dust had settled “Roundhouse Rob” Krivelin scored a decisive three length victory with his Ace High Hall in a time of 2:01.

Second under the wire was Uncle Freddie driven by “Coach Paul” Minore, but due to a racing infraction Uncle Freddie was placed out of the money. That move by the judges enabled Black Watch and driver “Mike the Tyke” Weiner to get second money and Travelin Preacher, with “Smokin’ Joe” Faraldo aboard, was moved up to third place.

Helene Gregory/World Wide Racing Photos

“Roundhouse Rob” Krivelin was a winner behind Ace High Hall.

But the day belonged to the New York City food purveyor, Rob Krivelin, and his trusty trotter Ace High Hall.

After being content to follow the lead set by Dave “Steady As” Yarock with Consulate, Krivelin waited until the backstretch before asking Ace High Hall for some trot and when he did the duo sped by Yarock’s steed and opened daylight on the field. In the lane Ace High Hall was never in trouble and coasted to an easy victory.

“After the serious challengers, Peter Gerry (with Admirable Hanover) and Paul Minore (with Uncle Freddie) made breaks early I felt like I got the Obama-bailout,” Krivelin said after his victory. “Once they were out, it was all me and though Minore was challenging in the stretch I knew he’d be dq’d because his trotter left the racetrack in the first turn.”

He then added: “I’m giving fair warning to all the Jews who’ll be driving in Monticello’s upcoming Passover Pace that I am in top form and ready to win two in a row there.”

The triumph with Ace High Hall, who paid $7.60 for win, was Krivelin’s first driving victory of the season and the 129th of his amateur career.

The pre-Billings trots put on by Freehold are allowing Billings members a tune-up prior to the 31st season of the Grand Circuit of Amateur Racing getting underway in late April.