by John Manzi, for the Delvin Miller Amateur Drivers Association

Monticello, NY — Bob “the Headhunter” Hechkoff and Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford each scored a Billings Series driving victory at Saratoga Raceway on Monday afternoon (Oct. 8).

Hechkoff was victorious behind Tremendous Hit while Oldford’s triumph came with Oliver Kiss. Both trotters were the betting favorites in their respective divisions and both returned short mutuel prices. Tremendouis Hit paid $4.40 after his 2:02.1 victory while Oliver Kiss returned just $3.30 for his 2:02.2 triumph.

Being the favorite in a race says much about one’s chances, but still the favorite has to get home first to be legitimate. Both drivers handled themselves like pros and did what they had to do to win.

Hechkoff left softly from the two hole and when Simeon “Hot Rod” Hunsdon looked to settle his REL Postage Due down in front of Tremendous Hit, Hechkoff played hardball and kept Hunsdon on the limb.

REL Postage Due went a long way on the outside before tiring and at the three-quarters there was a tight pack with trotters two and three deep around the final turn.

But with most horses in the field moving toward the outside Hechkoff just sat in the two hole pocket and when the lane opened he shot Tremendous Hit through and cruised to an easy victory over the pacesetter, Gate Keeper, driven by Vladimir “Butch” Melnichenko. Third place went to Doin My Thing with “Tall Paul” Suchow aboard.

A good drive from Steve Oldford was responsible for him getting Oliver Kiss home a winner. After starting from post two, Oldford settled in behind Consulate and driver Dave “Steady As” Yarock who took the early lead.

When horses came from the rear of the pack as the field headed to the halfway point, Oldford was out and going and Oliver Kiss made the front before the third stanza. But in the lane Tony “the Capo” Verruso and Mystic Splendor shook free and made a strong late rally only to fall short by a neck. Bob “the Rapid Rail” Krivelin took home the show dough with New Zion.

Unreported from last Thursday was Trader Bud’ Hatfield’s stunning come from behind 1:59.2 victory at The Red Mile with his own Wolf’s Jan, after the trotting mare made a break before the start.

Wolf’s Jan was ninth at the quarter as “the Trader” worked his way in between and around horses to finally be a head winner over TK’s Karma and Bob Krivelin. Third in that 10-horse field was Mr Big Boy driven by “Chicago George” Bonomo.

Next Billings action will be at the Fairfield County Fair in Lancaster, Ohio, on Thursday (Oct. 11).