The CKG Billings Amateur Driving Series stopped at The Meadows on Saturday, July 14 with Tom Svrcek collecting his first driving victory of the season in the $10,000 event.
Rufus DeVie, the betting favourite driven by Steve Oldford, went off-stride before the start as Mutinyonthebounty and Ned Hodkinson scooted to the front as the first quarter timer flashed :29.2 They were followed closely by BL Class Act and driver Mike Mitchell while Svrcek and Upfront Charlieboy were eight lengths off the lead in seventh.
Mutinyonthebounty showed the way past the half in 1:00.2 followed closely by BL Class Act. Heading to three-quarters, Mutinyonthebounty seemed well in hand as he led the field to the top of the stretch. Svrcek revved Upfront Charlieboy into high gear moving into the stretch and the 10-year-old Cantab Hall gelding surged to the lead approaching the wire, claiming victory in 2:00.2 with Better Call Saul and Michelle Ruvola finishing a head back in second. BL Class Act finished third.
Svrcek, an insurance man by profession, made his first start in this year’s Billings Series after finishing off the board in most of his 20 previous non-amateur events.
“Fifteen years ago I raced in the Billings but my work schedule made it hard over the ensuing years to drive regularly,” Svrcek said. “Its been a while since I won a race and this victory today was extra-special considering the fact that my horse was eighth at the half and finished like gangbusters.”
“My horse has no gate speed that's why we got away so badly,” Svrcek said. “But he loves to stalk and when I finally got a chance to show him daylight the old fella knew just what to do.”
Trained by Bill Fahy and owned by his wife Moira, Upfront Charlieboy paid $10.60.
(With files from CKG Billings)