by John Manzi, for the C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Series

Monticello, NY — With the C.K.G. Billing Harness Drivers Series now in full swing there is plenty of action for the amateur drivers with more than one venue every week during the summertime.

At Northfield Park on Saturday night (July 13), an eight-horse Billings trot went to post in the third race on the betting card which resulted in an easy victory for “Marvelous Marv” Raber when he guided Tabulator to a four length triumph in a time of 1:59.4.

In what resembled a cavalry charge away from the mobile starting gate, four horses went for the lead but it was Tabulator who gained command nearing the quarter after 45-1 shot Rewrite The Rules and driver “Lawbook Larry” Farley grabbed leather.

Once on the lead the 4-year-old Cantab Hall gelding not only had things his own way, but never had a challenge the rest of the way home.

On top by two lengths at the half and six lengths at the third stanza, “Marvelous Marv” and Tabulator cruised home an easy four length winner over Gracious Man and driver Bob “the Lumberman” Troyer. Third place went to Sky Lav and driver Kathy “High Flying” Hawk and Rewrite The Rules finished fourth.

Tabulator is owned by Bert Hersherberger and trained by Raber. He paid $7.00 for win. For Raber it was the 20th winning drive of his career.

There was also Billings action on Thursday (July 11) at the 4-H Agricultural Fair in Afton, N.Y. Only four trotters went to post and when it was over “Bullet Bob” Davis and Really Really Sweet were easy winners in a time of 2:09.

Davis co-owns with Terry Vanvalkenburgh and John De Gregory.