After an eastern region leg of the CKG Billings Amateur Driving Series took place Saturday at Freehold Raceway, the series’ first midwest region dash of 2019 took place at Miami Valley Raceway on Sunday (April 28).

When the judges hung the ‘official’ sign after the dash, Gregg Keidel emerged victorious with Undercover Strike after a 1:57.1 clocking.

Keidel, a veteran over many positions in the sport over the years, added another victory to his driving resume when he scored his 106th career triumph. By all inferences, his afternoon victory was rather easy.

Sent off as the 1-2 favourite in the nine-horse field, Keidel eased his trotter away softly from Post 2 and was fifth at the :28.2 quarter pole. That was where Brian Miller was showing the way with 75-1 shot, Super Rock. But when Miller tapped the breaks heading to the halfway point, Keidel moved Undercover Strike off the pylons and they charged up to leader as the timer flashed :57.2.

From there, Undercover Strike and Super Rock raced side by side to the three quarters in 1:27.2 where Keidel's charge got first call.

However, at the top of the lane Undercover Strike trotted away to a one-length lead that was opened to two and a half lengths at the wire. Song In My Heart and driver Tim Miller took home the ‘show dough.’

The race winner is owned by Joe Cirasuola and trained by Chris Allen. He paid $3.00 for win and teamed with the longshot Super Rock for the $150.80 exacta.

Billings action will continue at Freehold Raceway on Saturday, May 4.

(With files from the Billings Series)