The Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association (GLADA) kicked off its 2021 season with a trot at Northfield Park on Saturday (March 13). And when the judges hung the official sign, Eddie Miller emerged victorious with Bold Strategy, who turned back eight others with a 1:58.4 score.
Miller, just 24 years of age, is in his second season of amateur driving and tonight's victory was his first of the season.
Up behind the odds-on favourite, Miller knew that the best place to be is on the front. So it was to no one's surprise when he sent his charge to the lead when the wings of the mobile gate folded, though he needed a :27.4 quarter to accomplish that. Heading to the first quarter, Steve Oldford, who was on the limb with Gonna Fly, found a seat third along the pylons as Miller kept the pedal to the metal and led his competition by the halfway point in :57.4.
Up the backside, Oldford was forced off the pylons as others from the back moved to the outside and began moving up. Still, Miller and Bold Strategy were comfortable showing the way into the final turn. When they straightened for home, Bold Strategy was still the one to catch, but no one could match as the four-year-old son of Break The Bank K rebuffed all challenges and went on to a length-and-a-half victory in 1:58.4. Back Door Man rallied from the middle of the pack to finish second for Floyd Rhodes and Oldford and Gonna Fly finished third.
The winner, Bold Strategy, is trained by Eddie Miller for owners Rebecca Sugg, Watson Harness Racing, and Mary Stucky. He paid $3.20 for win.
(GLADA)