Those that watched the Billings races at Northfield Park on Sunday night (Nov. 4) got to see one of the industry’s rising stars steer not one, but two trotters to the winner’s circle.

The rising star in question is Jazmin Arnold.

Up behind favoured Buddy Hally from the four hole in the first contest, Arnold gunned her charge for the lead and had to trot a :27.4 first quarter before Kelly Walker and Jurgen Hanover yielded command.

Once on top, Arnold kept the pedal to the metal and Buddy Hally completely annihilated his competition. Comfortable on the lead, Arnold guided her charge to a seven-length triumph in a very creditable 1:56. Utopia and driver Steve Oldford trotted through traffic to gain the place money, while Michelle Ruvola took home the show dough with Better Call Saul.

Owned by Joseph Varga and trained by Herman Hagerman, Buddy Hally paid $4.60 for win.

In the other Billings race, Arnold used different tactics after starting from the pole position with Nono Lindy.

When the starter said ‘go’ she allowed Alesha Binkley (who was driving United Bi) and Steve Oldford (Smart Flight) to find room along the pylons in front of her.

United Bi led Smart Flight all the way to the three quarters, at which point Arnold rallied the favoured Nono Lindy. The altered son of Crazed trotted to the lead when the field turned for home, and at the wire they were a length to the good over United Bi. Smart Flight finished third.

Owned by Terrence Smith and trained by Herman Hagerman, Nono Lindy returned a $4.60 mutuel.

Perhaps the bigger story is the emergence of Arnold as a top flight driver. The 24-year-old miss began the season mainly on the county fair circuits, and she now has 21 wins, eight seconds and five thirds from 54 starts for a phenomenal .502 UDR.

(With files from the Billings Series)