by John Manzi, for the Billings Series

Monticello, NY — On Sunday (May 27), harness racing’s greatest traveling roadshow, the C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Series, was on the move again, this time north of the border for a nine-horse pacing event at Flamboro Downs.

The first and longest running amateur driving series in the modern era, the Billings members sometime use pacers in their travels when a field of trotters is not available.

After “Racin’ Jason” Sgrignuoli sent Eas Ideal to the front from the six-hole, his 5-year-old Sportswriter gelding made easy work of it and made every pole a wining one en route to a 3-1/2 length victory in a 1:59 clocking.

A soft :30.1 first quarter probably made Sgrignuoli’s journey a lot easier for his 7-1 shot and he cruised along with nearly even fractions while saving something for the final quarter which was the fastest split in the race. As it turned out a :29.2 final panel was needed by the Dorval, Quebec, electrician in order to keep “Mighty Matt” Zuccarello and his charge`Crafty Xample at bay.

When the wings of the mobile gate folded the even money favorite L Dees Luca, handled by Billings Vice President Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford, got away a bad seventh from the three-hole and by the time the field had passed the halfway point L Dees Luca was some 10 lengths behind, ground he never made up and finished fourth, two lengths behind Warrawee Phoenix and driver Robert “call me Bobby” Ciavardini who was third under the wire.

The winner, owned by Brenda Rankin and Brandon Chariot, paid $16.00, $7.00 and $8.50 across the board. He is trained by Jim Rankin.

The second Canadian Billings race, a 10-horse trot, is slated for Monday night (May 28) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.