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

Monticello, NY — It’s what the amateur drivers live for — steady action. And that was the case this past weekend for members of the C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Series when there were races at Batavia Downs on Friday and at Vernon Downs on Saturday. Races there followed an event at the Red Mile on Thursday which was won by Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford, as was reported earlier.

But Oldford was at it again on Friday after he drove nine hours from Lexington to race at Batavia Downs in two Billings contests, winning the second one with a catch-drive behind Allpointsbulletin in a time of 2:02.3.

After leaving from the pole position, Oldford’s trotter took command with Dave “Poppa” Glasser ducking in behind him on the first turn with Somolli Crown. They raced one-two around the track with Somolli Crown tight on Oldford’s back until the lane where Glasser rallied and the two trotters crossed the wire nearly simultaneously with neither driver sure as to who won.

“Glasser and I were so busy trying to get our horses home that neither of us was sure who won it,” Oldford said. “Glasser went back to the winner’s circle but when the judges posted my number I then circled back for the winner’s circle presentation.”

Third place went to 21-1 longshot Say It Best, driven by “Tough Tony” Ciuffetelli.

After the race Oldford told trainer Andy Torre that he won a race the previous day at The Red Mile.

“Andy told me he won there in 1958. Why, that was the year I was born,” Oldford said incredulously.

Allpointsbulletin returned a $6.60 win mutuel. He is owned and trained by Torre who will turn 80 years old on Sept. 30.

The first Billings event was a pace and it was won by Richard “Call Me Rick” Roach, a Michigander from Davison who notched his first driving victory of the season although he was victorious 134 times in the past. And with Oldford also from the Wolverine State it made a Michigander double.

Roach had Windsong Destroyer from post five and he worked a pocket trip as Dave “Poppa” Glasser cut the fractions with The Spartan. And although Glasser’s pacer went a strong trip, Roach came calling in the lane and Windsong Destroyer rallied to a length triumph over the pace-setter in a time of 2:01.1. The betting favorite, Rammy Girl in rein to Tony “the Capo” Verruso, finished third with broken equipment.

Windsong Destroyer, owned by Sharon Stockwell, paid $16.40 for win.

On Saturday at Vernon Downs “Mighty Matt” Zuccarello won the Billings trot there with 43-1 shot Armstead Kyra in a time of 1:56.1.

“We had the five hole and I left to get position but we ended up on the front end,” Zuccarello explained. “We went a fast quarter (:27.3) so once I got on the lead I tried to back off a bit so my mare would have something left at the end.”

After the half was trotted in :58.1, Choke Hold and Vladimir “Butch” Melnichenko pressed Armstead Kyra on the outside but Zuccarello’s trotter had enough to stave her off, and all comers, in the lane to win by a full length over Choke Hold, the betting favorite. Permanent Joy came from way back to finish third for Bobby “Rapid Rail” Krivelin.

Understandably Zuccarello was thrilled after his fastest ride to the winner’s circle and he added, “I really appreciate (trainer) Gary (Messenger) allowing me to drive her (Armstead Kyra) and I hope I get a chance to drive her again.”

The winner is owned by Brenda Messenger and Dr. Scott Woogen. She paid $89.00, $21.00 and $15.00 across the board.