by John Manzi, for the Delvin Miller Amateur Drivers Association

Monticello, NY — Kelly “Sky” Walker has got a hot hand. After winning two races at Monticello Raceway on that track’s All Amateur Day, Walker kept the ball rolling at Hazel Park Raceway in a C.K.G. Billings Trot on Monday (June 20). Despite an auspicious start, he was able to overcome adversity and rein his trotter Intell On Broadway to a 2:02.2 victory.

According to Denny Walton, Hazel Park’s assistant race secretary, before the start Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford’s trotter Smokin Steven made a break and caused interference with most of the starters — the winner included — who went off-stride momentarily but then got back on gait and fell into the two hole behind Lofty Morn and driver “Smokin’ Joe Faraldo who ended up cutting the fractions.

Faraldo had Lofty Morn on the engine and they trotted through even fractions but when they turned for home Lofty Morn ran out of gas and faded. Headed For Glory, a 30-1 shot with Mike “Great Lakes” Sweeney at the controls, maneuvered around tiring horses and made a late charge but fell 1-1/4 lengths short and finished second. Third place went to “Buckboard Bob” Miller who somehow got 40-1 shot Vannasdancindarvin to show some trot and they rambled home just 1-1/2 lengths off the winner.

Walker’s trotter, Intell On Broadway owned by June Du Russel, was a 1-2 favorite and paid a paltry $3.00 for win. He is trained by Tim Driver.

After the races the drivers gathered in the winner’s circle where many were introduced to the crowd and then the group went to the track’s dining room to break bread, a specialty of amateur racing.

“We razzed Faraldo a little bit, but it was all tongue-in-cheek, and we were appreciative that he went out of his way to join us here tonight for the Billings competition,” Walton said. “Then we all went upstairs and enjoyed a nice dinner together.”