by Dale Zahn, for the Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Assn.

Holland, MI — Eight drivers and their steeds will see action on Memorial Day Monday (May 31) at Hazel Park Raceway in suburban Detroit as the Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association enters the third week of action.

Five of the eight will be making their third appearance in the trotting series, two will see action for the second time and one lone new face will be looking at the starter. The race is carded as the fifth event on the wagering card.

Favoritism goes to driver Mike ‘The Mortgage Man’ Mitchell and his own mare Likaty, who enter the fracas off back-to-back wins. Though favoritism is surely deserved, they’ll have to work hard from post position eight.

Clearly the speedball in the race is Distant Memories in rein to ‘Buckboard’ Bob Miller. The horse has blazing speed but has had issues sustaining it. They’ll launch from post position three.

Drawing the choice rail post position is Craig Sebert who will handle longshot SS Missy Ann. Alongside will be Jim Ingersoll who will try and improve on back-to-back third place finishes in the series as he directs his own Caballo Diablo. In the four hole, former national amateur champion Steve Oldford will again team up with the oldtimer Artful Power.

The driving vet, Dr. Mike Caston, will steer Winsome Wonder, Kelly Walker gets the call on Keep Your Shirt On and from the seven post we’ll see one of Michigan’s most prolific trainers suiting up to drive in the person of Zaim Cunmulaj who will be guiding YF Eliminator.

The GLADA series will be racing every Monday at Hazel Park throughout the meet. Owners and trainers of qualified trotters are reminded to enter their horses as there are other amateur drivers waiting in the wings for their respective opportunities to race.