by John Manzi, for the Billings Series
Nichols, NY — For 36 years the CKG Billings Amateur Driving Series has been, and still is, considered the Grand Circuit of Amateur Racing, not only for its traveling roadshow but for bringing amateur racing to the forefront. And because of the series’ success over the years amateur driving clubs now dot the harness racing landscape in North America.
Yesterday, Friday (June 23), two races were contested at Grand River Raceway in Elora, Ont. and Saturday (June 24) the Billings Series moved back to the U.S. with a race at Tioga Downs and when that event was finalized David “Poppa” Glasser made it look easy when he guided his Celebrity Stimulus to a 1:57.4 victory over six rivals.
When the official starter said ‘go’ Glasser hustled his trotter to the lead from the seven-hole and they had command at the first stanza in :28.2. With just a short breather Celebrity Stimulus led his competition by the halfway point in :58 seconds flat.
Up the backside Glasser let his charge ramble and they had five lengths on the field as they passed the three quarters in 1:27.1 . From there it was catch me if you can and nobody could, as Glasser and the veteran trotter coasted home a 3-1/4-length winner. Tony “the Capo” Verruso came from far back with Sam’s Honeybee to garner the place money and Jelectric finished third for “Buffalo Bob” Davis, who, by the way, returned to the U.S. after he raced in the Billings at Grand River Raceway on last night.
Needless to say, after the race Glasser was a happy man and responded with this email:
“I’ve had Stim parked and been unable to get him to the front where he likes it best. Tonight we were able to get there. In the third quarter I tried to open up some distance and tonight we had the racing luck and he was ready. Team Butenschoen always sends him ready to go, I just am not always able to get him his best trip. Tonight I was.”
For the president of a litigation support company it was his third winner this season and his 35th of his amateur driving career.
Glasser owns the 7-year-old Cantab Hall gelding who paid $4.80 for win. John Butenschoen is the horse’s trainer.
Next Billings action will be at the Cradle of the Trotter on Monday (July 3) over Goshen’s Historic Track.