Woodstock, VA — Just Bettor, described as the “classy old veteran” by driver Kevin Altig, had not an anxious moment as this 15-year-old gelded son of Bettor’s Delight led every stride of his mile in scoring a 5-1/4 length win for owner-trainer Mikayla Pressel in USHDC action at Shenandoah Downs on Saturday (May 25).
Leaving from the coveted inside post in his octet, Altig chirped at his charge once leaving gate and put up early numbers of :28.4 and :58.2 before sprinting away during the third panel and bursting home in :29 to easily seal the deal.
Sweet Ali Lou, handled by Stacey McLenaghan, was second and closing fastest of all, with Bungalow Bill N, driven by Philip Kodak, third.
Pacific Stride, last and far away halfway through the mile, went on a double bubble binge the final three-eighths of the mile finished fourth for Michael Dailey while Pretty And Sassy, teamed with Lawrence Cooper, saved the nickel.
In a post-race interview, driver Kevin Altig related, “He’s just a classy old-timer that still has quite a pep in his step at (age) 15.
“I was really confident that he’d get home when he relaxed and let me get him to the half in :58.2.
“I just chirped again and he responded like the horse he’s been all his career.
“He’s easy and handy and made me look good!”
Just Bettor now has a 42-52-37 scorecard in 342 lifetime starts, good for $463,774 lifetime to go along with a 1:50.3 mark achieved 11 years ago.
As second choice in the betting, Just Bettor rewarded his faithful with a $6.00 mutuel.
The United States Harness Drivers Club (USHDC) features drivers, many of whom have campaigned in several foreign countries, who donate all of their earnings driving in these events for the benefit of worthy charitable organizations stretching from local communities and surrounding counties to nationally known organizations aiding neglected and retired horses to humane needs in rehabilitation services.