by John Manzi, for the Delvin Miller Harness Drivers Association

Monticello, NY — “Tar Heel Tom” Williams struck twice, winning both C.K.G. Billings Harness Drivers Championship Series events at Running Aces Harness Park on Sunday, August 1.

He won the first race on the card, which was a Billings pace, with Apache Streaker and then came back to win the third race, a Billings trot, with DW’s Perky Joe.

Tom Williams won both Billings Series races at Running Aces.

Both times Williams’ horses were longshots in their respective events. Apache Streaker was dismissed at odds of 38-1 even though the mare started from the pole position. In the other contest the bettors weren’t enthralled with Williams’ trotter DW’s Perky Joe either and sent him off at odds of over 13-1.

In the first Billings split Williams, who was last season’s National Amateur Driver of the Year, parked Natalie “I’ve got no nickname yet” Zabrzenski and Ima Looker by the first stanza in :28 and then he let her gain command. After the half Williams retook the lead for good and Apache Streaker rambled on to a 12 length triumph and turned back favored Sincerity and driver Gregg “Fast Greggy” Keidel in a 1:56.4 clocking. Michelle “The Belle” Ruvola finished third with Magen Bay in that one. The winner, owned by Dave Carter, paid a whopping $79.00 for win.

In the other contest Williams sent DW’s Perky Joe to the lead from the three hole and they gained command easily as the timer at that stanza tripped :30.1. Williams then allowed the betting favorite My Victory Song and driver “Congenial Gene” Miller to take command and that combo showed the way to the top of the stretch but unfortunately for Miller his trotter went off stride which opened the door for Williams who was shadowing with DW’s Perky Joe.

So from the top of the lane, when he found himself all alone on the front end, it was a no-brainer for Williams to guide his trotter to an easy two length triumph over Chip Of Nordic and driver “Chicago George” Bonomo. My Victory Song, did however, regain stride and took home the show dough. Jon Anderson owns DW’s Perky Joe who returned a $29.40 win mutuel.

Next Billings action will be on Wednesday, August 4, at the Meadowlands.