by John Manzi, for the Billings Series

Lexington, KY — On Thursday afternoon, October 8, several members of the C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Series will get another opportunity to drive over Lexington, Kentucky’s famed mile oval — known throughout the industry as The Red Mile.

With race number one carded as the Gentlemen’s Driving Club Trot, ten horses will go to post but only seven of their drivers are eligible to earn points in the Billings Series. Drivers Dr. Andrew Roberts and Bill Bigler are not members of the Billings and though “Jungle Jim” Pollock, Jr. is, his trotter does not fit the horse-entry criteria for the Billings Series.

However, a stellar field of talented chauffers will be in action including the top five in points earned in the Midwest Region — “Tar Heel Tom” Williams (115), Kelly “Sky” Walker (110), Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford (98), Dave “Linemaster” Ehrenberg II (83) and “Trader Bud” Hatfield (77). Joining them with mounts in the event are Dean “What Am I Bid” Beachy and Patricia “the Write Stuff” Miller.

Hatfield’s trotter Done Dreamen, who has drawn the pole position on Thursday, was a 1:57.3 winner last week in Billings action over the Red Mile, as was Clark Hanover, who’ll start from post position seven. Bill Bigler is slated to drive Clark Hanover.

Last week Brent “the Zanesville Clipper” Davis drove Clark Hanover to a 1:59.3 triumph in a Billings division but Davis will not be in action on Thursday.

After the Billings Series leaves Lexington, only five more venues are slated for action in the Midwest Region before the regional finale is contested at Balmoral Park on November 22. And just six legs remain in the Eastern Region before their finale goes to post at Yonkers Raceway on November 23.