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

Monticello, NY — Dave “Steady As” Yarock had been knocking at the door in this year’s C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Series but on Sunday (June 5) he took home all the marbles when he guided his own Uni-optic Man to a 1:58.4 victory at Tioga Downs.

With his triumph, Yarock has vaulted into the points lead on the Eastern Region leaderboard.

Yarock left from the six hole and fell into second position behind “Roundhouse Rob” Krivelin’s Mr Troy. The eventual winner took advantage of his situation and in the process got a picture-perfect trip behind Mr Troy, who cut all the early fractions.

When “Schoolboy Joe” Bongiorno moved his charge, Lord Burghley, out to challenge the leader at the half-way point, Yarock sat still as Mr Troy and Lord Burghley raced side by side up the backstretch and around the final turn. However, when daylight appeared for Yarock he gave Uni-optic Man his shot at the leaders and the veteran Malabar Man gelding did the rest and rambled home to victory.

Simeon “Hot Rod” Hunsdon, who moved second-over behind Lord Hughley, charged by everyone in the lane except Yarock’s trotter to finish second. Mr Troy held on for the show dough.

Yarock, a financial planner from New Jersey and an avid amateur driver, is one of the principles behind the All-Amateur Day at Monticello Raceway this coming Sunday (June 12). Yarock is the president of the foundations that will be donating scholarships to children of horsemen and will personally present the checks to the award recipients in a ceremony as part of that amateur day at the races.

On Sunday at the Mighty M every race that day will be driven by amateur reinsmen and as planned, the C.K.G. Billings Series races and family entertainment will also be part of that day.