The top point earners in the Midwest Region battled for a $10,000 purse in the CKG Billings Trot at Dayton Raceway on Saturday, Nov. 10 with Marvin Raber and Mikey Hanover taking home the cash with a four-length score in 1:56.3.
Gregg Kiedel sent Nashville Holiday to the top from post eight at the gate's dispersal while Mikey Hanover ducked into the pocket heading to a :27.2 first quarter. Raber soon edged Mikey Hanover off the rail and to the lead before the half. From there Raber and Mikey Hanover kicked clear of competition, opened an eight-length lead to the third quarter and coasted to the wire ahead of Fairground Drama rallying for second and Nashville Holiday faltering into third.
The winner, a nine-year-old gelding by Majestic Son, is owned by Leroy Keim and trained by Robert Coblentz. He returned $14.00 to win.
The Billings, known as the granddaddy of all amateur organizations, will present the East Region Final at Pocono Downs on Saturday, Nov. 10 with the series Gold & Silver Cup Finals set for Nov. 25 at Yonkers Raceway.
(With files from CKG Billings)