Within 90 minutes of Just Listed breaking the Harrah's Chester track record for trotters at a mile and a quarter with a 2:33.4 performance, Proud Moment ($26.80) turned in a 2:33 effort under Bob Krivelin, taking the C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Series Eastern Regional Final on Monday afternoon.
Entering today's event a maiden, Proud Moment protected pylon position entering the first turn, securing the lead from Stormont Wok (David Drew), Double Strength (David Offenberg), and CR Mr Bean (Steve Markoff), who also showed gate speed. Stormont Wok, favoured at a little under 2-1, stayed up close to Proud Moment throughout, pressing the leader past a quarter of :30.3 before stalling a bit.
Perfect Gerry (George Casale), the 36-1 longest shot on the board, tracked Proud Moment's every step through intermediate fractions of 1:00.2 and 1:31.2, gaining room to vacate the pocket as Stormont Wok faded. Approaching the head of the stretch, Proud Moment kicked clear for Krivelin, holding the lead in deep stretch despite pursuit from Perfect Gerry, who finished second.
Yankee Slugfest (Anthony Verruso) stalked the leaders throughout to finish third, with Double Strength overcoming a tough trip to finish fourth.
The Eastern Regional Consolation went to Just Listed and Gerry Fielding, who sat well off dueling Over The Wire (Bob Hechkoff) and CJs Not A Clue (Harry Pozefsky) before sweeping three-wide to the front under minimal urging. CJs Not A Clue held second, with Stillbrook (David Yarock) closing to finish third. Over The Wire was worn down by the speed duel, fading to fourth.
The 2008 C.K.G. Billings Amaetur Driver Series season concludes on December 6, with the Delvin Miller Gold Cup Final at the Meadowlands.
(Harrah’s Chester)