by John Manzi, for the Delvin Miller Amateur Drivers Association

Monticello, NY — Affectionately known as the “Doo Wop Doc,” on Thursday (Oct. 11), Dr. Mike Caston vanned his trotter Merlincrest to the Fairfield County Fair in Lancaster, Ohio and then drove the horse to a 2:06.4 victory in a Billings Series Trot.

They finished some 2-1/2 lengths ahead of Cash On The Rail, driven by Victor “Pop” Gray, Sr. “Michelle the Belle” Ruvola took home the show dough with Cabo Blue.

USTA/Ed Keys photo

Merlincrest was a 2:06.4 winner for Dr. Mike Caston.

After leaving from the pole position Caston allowed Smokestacks and driver “Tiny Tim” Miller to take command on the first turn. Once in front Miller yielded to Littlebitofhoney and Dave “Linemaster” Ehrenberg. But that lead was short-lived.

Knowing Ehrenberg’s trotter is prone to making breaks, nearing the half Caston moved his trotter out from the three hole and Merlincrest raced head to head with Littlebitofhoney around the turn and up the backside. As they approached the third stanza Eherenberg’s trotter went off-stride and Merlincrest and the “Doo Wop Doc” sailed to the lead and coasted home an easy winner.

Caston, a Veterinarian Medical Officer for the Federal Government since 1997 and a fancier of doo wop music, was thrilled after his driving victory.

“I knew my horse was going to go a good mile because he’s been training real good,” Caston offered when contacted by telephone. “When we drew the rail I was pretty confident in our chances. We got a few good breaks and things went our way (in the race). But that doesn’t always happen so I was thrilled to win it.”

Prior to working for the Federal Government Caston was part of a three-man team practicing veterinarian medicine at Detroit Race Course.

“We worked on Thoroughbreds there but being from New York I always loved the trotters,” Caston explained. “So in the late (19)70s I bought one (a trotter), got my license and I’ve been driving occasionally ever since. I like to drive and when you win, let me tell you, there’s no better feeling.”