The second/final event for the travelling members of the CKG Billings Harness Drivers Series who ventured to Canada was contested at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Monday evening (May 28).
When the judges posted the ‘official’ sign, Steve Oldford, who was up behind Adversity, had romped over eight others in a 1:56.3 clocking.
“We started slow but finished strong,” Oldfield said via telephone after his driving victory.
When the wings of the starting gate folded, Bob Davis gunned Burnin Money to the front and they led the field by the first stanza in :28. At that point, Oldfield was viewing the front-end action from fifth position along the pylons, some seven lengths of the leader.
“Everyone found a hole and we were all following Bob's (Davis) lead, and he rolled on to a three-length lead as he took us by the half in :57,” Oldford explained. “And as we headed for the three quarters, Burnin Money's strides began to shorten – many of us were looking to move up.”
First to do so was Bobby Ciavardini with Overcomebyvictory, followed by Oldford with the eventual winner.
Adversity cleared and by the time they rounded the final turn he was three lengths in front. Philippe Trudeau followed Oldford's lead with Charmbro Chrome and they were third as the field headed for home. But Overcomebyvictory faded in the lane and Charmbro Chrome finished second. Blameitonthewhisky (Jason Sgrignouli) got up for third money. Overcomebyictory was just that, as he faded to fourth.
Adversity is owned by the Jemaxpo Racing Stable and is trained by Jason Ryan. Sent off as the odds-on favourite, Adversity paid $3.40 for win.
(With files from the Billing Series)