Harness racing's 'greatest travelling roadshow,' the CKG Billings Harness Driving Series, moved on to Freehold Raceway on Saturday, May 5, for a six-horse trot in the Eastern Regional Division. James “Jimmy Boy” Marshall IV took home the lions share of the $6,000 purse after he reined Call My Broker to a two-length victory in a time of 1:59.3.
For the 28-year-old amateur, his seasonal debut was a winning one.
“I guess I was trying to emulate my dad who won three races on today's card,” the Marshall IV said.
After getting away softly from the three-hole, Marshall angled to the pylons and was third as Annie “Get Your Gun” Stoebe led field by the first quarter in :29.1. Not content to let the lady dictate a slow pace with Uriel, Marshall moved his trotter to the outside and set sail for the lead but didn't gain command until the top of the lane. He also had to contend with Lakota and driver “Coach Paul” Minore, who saved ground while traveling in the pocket.
Into the lane, there were three trotters across the track, but Call My Broker was the strong horse and went on to a two-length victory over Lakota. Uriel was third.
Call My Broker, a four-year-old Muscle Massive gelding, is owned by Melissa Beckwith, Thomas McTygue and William Bena and is trained by Mark Bethwith. He paid $8.20, $6.00 and $3.20.
It was the trotters first seasonal victory and for “Jimmy Boy” it marked his 15th driving victory career.
The Billings Series moves on to the Meadowlands on Friday, May 11.
(With files from the CKG Billings)