Two stellar fields of amateur drivers competed in a pair of events Saturday (Nov. 6) at Northfield Park with Bill Rhoades and Vernon Beachy each winning their respective divisions of the Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association (GLADA) Trots.

Rhoades got the first call in his event when he guided Guilty Desire to the front from post 2 as Palmers Pride and Next Woman Up settled behind the leader. The three then raced in that order past the half in 1:00.3 and by the three quarters in 1:29.4 right to the top of the lane. And when they headed for home, Guilty Desire was still strong on the lead and went on to a 1-1/4-length win over Palmers Pride with Next Woman Up three lengths behind in third place.

Guilty Desire, a six-year-old gelding by Deweycheatumnhowe, is owned by Nick Clegg and trained by Betty Clegg. Sent the third choice in the eight-horse field, Guilty Desire paid $10.20 for the win.

In the other split, Beachy took Alan off the gate from post 6 as a speed duel developed between Fultons Fury on the inside and Dominus Hanover on the rim. The two tangled head-to-head past the quarter in :27.4 and by the half in :57.1. But up the backside, they were joined by a host of others. And as they headed to the three-quarters, Beachy moved Alan four-deep and scooted around the tiring leaders to gain command on the final turn. From there, Alan opened on the field and cruised home an easy 4-1/4-length winner. Lauren Harmon, who went three-wide with Hititoutofthepark as Alan cleared to the lead, trotted home second best. Mesmerized gained the show dough for Manny Miller.

Alan, a gelded five-year-old son of Dontyouforgetit, is owned by Robert Sidley and trained by Crist Hershberger. Sent the favourite, Alan paid $4.40 for the win.

(GLADA)