by John Manzi, for the Billings Series

Hamilton, ON — The C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Series, the amateur driving organization that blazed the way for the many that followed, moved north of the border to Canada for a pacing event at Flamboro Downs on Sunday evening (Sept 30).

In the event which included four Canadians and five Americans the former came out on top when “Dynamite Dave” Drew made every pole a winning one en route to a solid 4-1/2 length triumph with Simon Said in 1:57.

Sent off as the 2-1 favorite from the two-hole, Drew sent the son of American Ideal to the lead when the wings of the mobile gate folded but they were confronted by a determined Sly Baron and driver “Buffalo Bob” Davis. That challenge led to a speed duel on the front-end as the two passed the first stanza in :28.2 and the order remained the same as they passed the half in :57.3. But after that Sly Baron was nowhere in sight and he faded considerably.

As Simon Said showed the way to the three-quarters a new challenge came from Curious Phoenix (“Fierce Freddy” Bourgault) but that didn’t last long as he, like Sly Baron, faded. That allowed 35-1 shot Tyrelius Deo and driver Marielle “M T” Enberg to rally to second place, still four lengths behind Simon Said, but strong enough to gain second money when it was all over. Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford garnered the show dough with Terror Suspect who went off at odds of 20-1.

The winner, Simon Said, paid $6.20. He is owned by Michael Arnold and Michael Dowling and trained by Dowling.