George & Tina Dennis Racing’s Back Pocket Miki was a 34-1 upset winner in 1:52.2 in the $31,690 Open Handicap Pace on Monday, Oct. 19 at Harrington Raceway.

Driven by Mike Cole, the six-year-old Always B Miki-Lady In Pink gelding received a three-hole trip behind Tack Room Chatter (Art Stafford Jr.) before a powerful first-over kick put him clear in the stretch to win by two lengths. Tack Room Chatter settled for second, holding off the late-closing Stevens Saloon (Jason Thompson). 

A popular winner at the Open 2 level last time out on Oct. 2, Back Pocket Miki rewarded his faithful backers with a $70.20 win payout. 

The victory was his eighth of the year in 30 starts for trainer Joe Columbo, who is just one win behind Chuck Crissman Jr. atop the trainer standings with just two nights remaining in the meet. 

Columbo and Cole teamed up for a triple on the 15-race card for George & Tina Dennis Racing, later adding wins with pacers Daddyofemall ($3) and Discovery ($7).

While the training title remains in doubt, Brandon Givens was awarded the driving crown on Monday evening, after clinching the title last week over Art Stafford Jr. and Corey Callahan. Givens (141 wins) won four races on Monday and over the course of the meet drove many winners for his father, Les Givens, and uncle, Wayne Givens, who are in the top six in the trainer standings. He was also the regular driver for standout pacer Wehadababyetzaboy, who had eight wins at the meet and banked approximately $150,000 USD. Friends and family joined Givens in the winner’s circle to celebrate his title.

Two nights of racing remain in Harrington’s 80th anniversary season, with a 15-race card on Tuesday, Oct. 20 and 13-race program Wednesday, Oct. 21.

(With files from Harrington Raceway)