Two eastern region divisions of the C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Series went to post at Freehold Raceway on Friday afternoon, May 21, and when the dust had settled Dave "Yes It's True" Offenberg and Rob "Rapid Rail" Krivelin each emerged with a victory
. Offenberg won the betting contest with Double Strength in a 2:01.1 clocking while Krivelin scored a 2:00:4 triumph in the non-betting event.
Offenberg's victory came from a two-hole journey when he allowed John "Night Train" Regina to cut the early fractions with Play Time. Regina's trotter carried Double Strength to the head of the lane where Offenberg moved him to challenge and Double Strength trotted around the pacesetter and went onto a one length triumph, Offenberg's first of the Billing's season. Play Time held on for second and Nights Jazz rallied from far back to finish third.
In the other trot, Krivelin benefitted from an early speed dual between Cory "the Teenage Terror" Stratton with Invocation and Peter "the President" Gerry and Arcaro, which lasted into the clubhouse turn the second time around. When Arcaro tired, Krivelin had Gimme The Loot ready and they made their challenge as the field headed for the three-quarters.
Though Invocation had command as he headed for home, it was short-lived. First Mr Troy and "Coach Paul" Minore charged by the leader and then Gimme The Loot scooted by the leaders and charged home a 1-1/2 length winner and got all the loot. Mr Troy finished second and Invocation took home the show dough.
With his victory, the second of the Billings season this year, Krivelin vaulted to the point lead in the eastern region.
(C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Series)