In what turned out to be a real barn burner, two excellent amateur drivers—one male and one female - battled relentlessly until Eddie Miller and Bold Strategy turned back Outburst and Alesha Binkley to win Thursday’s $10,000 GLADA Series 1 final by a nose in 1:55.4 at Scioto Downs.

When the wings of the mobile gate folded Miller rushed his charge to the lead and they had command before the quarter mile timer flashed :28. But knowing that Bold Strategy was the one to beat Binkley put her trotters' nose on Miller's back and they raced one-two past the half and by the three quarters.

But when they headed for home Outburst was in high gear with designs on gunning down the leader.

And although she made valiant effort Miller was not to be denied as he urged his trotter home a scant nose ahead of Binkley's charge. Right there with the top two just a tick behind was third place finisher Palmers Pride and driver Don Sherman.

The winner, a four-year-old altered son of Break The Bank K, is owned by Rebecca Sugg, Watson Harness Racing and Mary Stucky. He's trained by Eddie Miller. Sent off as the odds-on favourite, Bold Strategy paid $3.60 for win.

(GLADA)