David Ehrenberg II — a.k.a. “The Linemaster” — came from far back with Donnamom to capture Friday’s $10,000 final of the C.K.G. Billings Amateur Trot at The Meadows. Stephen Oldford (Striking Lightning) was second, with Larry Farley (Good Friend) third.
The event is comparable to a regular-season championship, as the leaders will move on to fight for the Gold Cup and the Silver Cup in events The Meadows will host in November.
Donnamom lost her first seven races of the year while battling quarter cracks, but she’s now won two straight in the Billings series for Ehrenberg.
“Usually they battle it out early, and she likes to come late,” said the Linemaster, so nicknamed because his business away from racing is Linemaster Services. “Her foot’s getting better every week, and when she gets really good, she’ll trot in 1:55 and a piece.”
In Friday’s final, she trailed by seven and a half lengths at the quarter — right where the Linemaster wanted her. She launched a relentless uncovered move and triumphed by one and three-quarter lengths.
Jim Pollock Jr. trains the six-year-old daughter of Ilooklikemymom and Donna L, who extended her career bankroll to $123,845.
(The Meadows)