After a very competitive year, the top nine drivers with the most points in the western region of the seven-month CKG Billings Amateur Driving Series convened at Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway on Saturday night, November 12 for the $10,000 regional final.

“Tiny Tim” Miller and Vaya Con Dios romped to an easy three-length triumph in a 1:57.2 clocking. It marked the second time this season that Miller has driven the six-year-old Conway Hall gelding to victory in Billings action.

After starting from the two-hole, Miller worked out a picture perfect journey en route to victory.

When the wings of the gate folded, Miller settled his charge down along the pylons and was in third position at the first stanza in :28.1 as Ned “the Insurance Agent” Hodkinson had Mutinyonthebounty on the lead. Despite Dave “Linemaster” Ehrenberg’s TKs Jelly Belly pressuring Hodkinson’s trotter on the outside, still Mutinyonthebounty got first call as the field sped by the halfway point in :58.

After putting away TKs Jelly Belly, Mutinyonthebounty appeared to be in complete control as he trotted by the third quarter in 1:27.2. However, when the field headed for home, company began to arrive with the presence of Upfront Chip Daddy (Michelle “the Belle” Ruvola) and Vaya Con Dios. Both the aforementioned horses trotted by Mutinyonthebounty in the deep stretch, but it was “Tiny Tim’s” Vaya Con Dios -- who had a two-hole journey all the way -- who rallied to victory. Upfront Chip Daddy finished second while Mutinyonthebouny faded and finished third.

Vaya Con Dios, owned by JMF Racing and trained by JD Wengerd, was sent off the betting favourite in the race and returned a $4 win payoff.

For Tim Miller, it was fifth driving victory this season in just 17 trips to post, and the 40th of his amateur racing career, which began in 2001.

Tomorrow evening (November 13) at Pocono Downs, the Billings final in the eastern region will be contested. Then, the following Sunday, the Delvin Miller Gold and Silver Cup championships will be presented at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

(With files from Billings Amateur Driving Series )