The granddaddy of all amateur driving organizations, the CKG Billings Series, moved on to Saratoga Harness on Friday night for a trotting event and for the second consecutive week “Tough Tony” Ciuffetelli and his vastly improved Someway Same Hall romped over a six others when they scored an oh-so-easy 15-length victory winning in 1:56.4 by an amazing 15 lengths.
It was the second consecutive triumph and seventh victory of the season for Ciuffetelli and the seven-year-old altered son of Cash Hall. Last week at Freehold Raceway they won by eight lengths in 1:58.1.
“Once I learned that he doesn't like me to grab him I've been letting him have his way and it’s really paying dividends,” Ciuffetelli said about Someway Same Hall. “He loves the front-end and that's where he's happy so that's where I've been putting him lately.”
After starting from the four-hole Ciuffetelli was little more than a passenger as his veteran trotter zipped to the lead as the wings of the gate folded and they had four lengths on he field when they passed the first stanza in :28.1. The lead was opened to five lengths at the half as the timer flashed :56.3. When they headed for the three quarters they were eight in front and from there only the margin of victory was to be determined. They crossed the finish line 15 lengths ahead of Wygant Prince and driver “Coach Paul” Minore. Darron Hall and "Buffalo Bob” Davis chugged home third some 17 lengths behind the winner.
Recently Ciuffetelli has battled back from a serious dose of Lyme disease and his health seems to be improving daily. He takes his well-being philosophically, so much so, that he calls his racing outfit, “The Tic Racing Stable”.
Sent off as the prohibitive betting favourite in the race Someway Same Hall paid just $2.80 for win. He's trained by Ciuffetelli, a retired prison guard, and owned by his Tic Racing Stable.
(CKG Billings Series)