by John Manzi, for the Delvin Miller Amateur Drivers Association
Monticello, NY — Tony “the Capo” Verruso enjoyed a big weekend in the Billings Harness Driving Championship Series. With a third place finish at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 21) and a victory on Saturday (Oct. 22) at Vernon Downs in an 11-horse field, “The Capo” has extended his lead in the Eastern Region of the Billings Series.
After the weekend action Verruso now has 115 points, which is 17 better than runner-up Simeon “Hot Rod” Hunsdon’s 98 and it should be enough to make him the points champion in the East.
Although Verruso has a decisive lead there are still four venues remaining before the regional points champion is crowned. They will be at Freehold Raceway (Oct. 28), Lebanon Raceway (Oct. 28), Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs (Nov. 5) and Yonkers Raceway (Nov. 14).
“Tough Tony” Ciuffetelli, who reined the Billings winner at Batavia Downs last Friday, moved up on the East Region’s leadeboard and now his 73 points is currently good for fifth place.
As far as the points situation is concerned in the Midwest Region, put a circle around the name Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford. His 121 points is almost double that of runner-up “Joltin’ Joe” Pennacchio’s 68.
The Midwest Regional Final will be contested at Northfield Park on Saturday (Nov. 19) while the Eastern Regional Final is slated for Sunday (Nov. 20) at Harrah’s Chester. Upon the completion of the regional finals the stage will be set for the Delvin Miller Memorial Gold, Silver and Bronze Cup Championships, which will be contested on Friday (Dec. 2) at The Meadows. That evening the Billings Series members will enjoy a dinner and awards will be given to the champs in various categories.