The C.K.G. Billings Harness Drivers Series presented a six-horse trot on Saturday afternoon (July 3) at Goshen Historic Track. When the dust settled, “Joltin' Joe” Pennacchio came away with a hard-fought victory when he guided P C Foreign Affair to a grinding 2:02.3 triumph over five others.
When the starter released the field, “Bullet Bob” Davis hustled Caravelle to the lead from post two and got away with a soft :31.2 first panel. Sensing the slow pace, Pennacchio hustled P C Foreign Affair toward the front end and slowly began to move forward to quicken the tempo.
Still comfortably in front, Davis braced for challenges after a 1:02 half, but Caravelle maintained solid command by three-quarters in 1:32.1. At this point, P C Foreign Affair was forced to go three-deep around Holiday Hanover (Scott “The Driving Doctor” Woogen) and range alongside the leader. When the two straightened for home, Pennacchio had the strong horse, and P C Foreign Affair drew off to a length victory. Caravelle was second and Holiday Hanover finished third.
Pennacchio owns the winner, whom Cory Stratton trains.
(C.K.G. Billings Series)