by John Manzi, for the Billings Series
Monticello, NY — Some members of the C.K.G. Billings Amateur Drivers Series including the Glasser brothers, David and Neil, ventured north of the border to participate in races at two different Canadian racetracks. On Sunday (Oct. 2) the battle was at Flamboro Downs which will be followed on Monday (Oct. 3) at Mohawk Racetrack.
The event marked the first time that brothers David “Poppa” Glasser and Neil “Skinny Legger” Glasser competed against one another in a betting contest.
However, the Sunday race proposed challenges for the Glassers. First they had to move their Rosh Hashanah celebration to Saturday prior to leaving for Flamboro Downs on Sunday, the first day of the weeklong religious celebration. But that the brothers were in the same race posed a dilemma for their mother, Evelyn, who said, “I cannot cheer for either of you because then I’m cheering against the other.”
Undaunted, the Glasser boys went about the business of amateur racing, venturing to Ontario with both having their sights set on victory in Canada, which, by no means, was a given.
However, luck was on David’s side. He not only drew the favorite in the race but one that was an overwhelming bettor’s choice. The combination of a hot favorite and a good journey allowed the older Glasser brother to score an easy six length victory with LMC Mass Oak in a 2:02 clocking over Windsong Lekeobnav and driver “Mighty Matt” Zuccarello. Third place went to Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford who got 30-1 shot, Muscle Action, home for the show dough.
“In this Billings travel race, thankfully and luckily for me, the race secretary insisted on a 100 percent random draw for horses and I luckily drew the best horse. Sometimes trainers request a driver,” David Glasser said and then added, “I’ve never been 1-9 before in any race and this horse was really good. All I had to do was steer.”
When the race was official and the winner’s prices were posted, backers of LMC Mass Oak received $2.20, $2.20 and $2.30 across the board. The Muscle Mass 4-year-old gelding is owned by Loredana and Frank Cirillo and trained by Ken Riebeling.
You might ask what happened to the other Glasser brother. Unfortunately Neil’s horse, Sky Angel, made a break behind the gate and was never in the hunt, finishing ninth.
But with David winning at least Momma Glasser had something to cheer about.