by Patricia Miller, for GLADA

Hazel Park, MI — Mark Jones may be celebrating his win in the first contest, but he will have to conquer the mix of last week’s contenders and two new drivers and horses to have a repeat performance. The Great Lakes amateurs take to the Hazel Park track on Monday (May 16) in race five on the evening’s card.

At the close finish of last week’s drive, Jones came out on top with Classic Spur. His second and third contenders, Smokin Steven, driven by Steve Oldford, and Miss Tiger Lily, driven by Mike Mitchell, both drew outside this week, giving other combos a cleaner shot at the win. But this is horse racing at its finest and anything can happen out there.

The two newcomers are veteran trainer and amateur driver Bob Miller with his catch drive Travlin Butch, roaring out of the two hole in pursuit of Heart Attach piloted by Al McCardell from the one hole. And Mike Sweeney, long time trainer, amateur driver, and member of the racing family of Sweeneys, will steer Benns Legacy from the four hole.

Last week’s contender Kara Sue Buxton will drive her mare Donker Marie from the three hole and Jim Ingersoll leaves with Starry Lady from the six hole.

The gate will be full of excited, skilled, and hopeful amateur drivers, and when the starter shouts go, eight drivers will shoot for the top and drive on.