After a successful winter season participating in amateur events at Pompano Park in Florida Steve “You're Never Too” Oldford made his seasonal Billings debut in late April at Miami Valley Raceway where his charge was an also-ran, but tonight at Northfield Park the talented tail-setter scored his seventh seasonal triumph when he guided Mego Moss to a gate to wire 1:59.3 triumph.
After starting from the pole position Oldford and Mega Moss were challenged Super Rock, driven by Brian “BJ” Miller, and they were one-two past the first stanza in a swift :28. But Miller found a spot behind Mega Moss which took the pressure off Oldford as he led the was by the halfway point in 1:00.1. At that point Emanuel “Manny” Miller and DDs Comet were in hot pursuit. However, Oldford's veteran trotter was up to the task and kept DDs Comet at bay. When the field rounded the final turn and headed for home Mega Moss put away his challengers and began to open daylight on the field.
In mid-stretch , 65-1 shot Song In My Heart, driven by “Tiny Tim” Miller, took aim at Oldford but ole Mega Moss was up to that challenge and cruised home 3-1/4 length winner. Song In My Heart headed-out Moon Tan and driver “Lightweight Larry” Ferrari for second money. Meanwhile, race favourite Annies Rocketman, with Gregg :Fast Greggy” Keidel aboard, lumbered home in fourth place.
“My horse is a grand ole campaigner and loves to race and he's a real pleasure to drive,” said Oldford, who was recently named the Harness Racing Museum's Amateur Driver of the Year.
Mega Moss, a 10-year-old altered son of Amigo Hall, owned by Oldford Racing, returned $11.60 for win.
(Billings Series)