GLADA action at Northfield Park Saturday

Northfield, Ohio – December 10, 2023 – Amateur harness racing driver Don Sherman, who drove his first qualifying race 30 years ago at the age of 19, appears to, finally, be reaching his prime in the sulky as he drove the four-year-old gelding Sir Ballykeel (Il Sogno Dream) to a handy victory in the Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association’s (GLADA) event on Saturday night (December 9) at Northfield Park.

Sherman and his charge defeated eight rivals—one being the weather—in sloppy conditions this night and wound up 4 1/2 lengths clear at the wire in 1:58.1.

Wild And Crazy Guy, handled by Braiden Rhoades, came from well back early on to finish second while Sir Wishfull, even further back early—16 1/2 lengths at the opening call—rallied for third with Larry Ferrari ninth bike.

As the wings folded on this sloppy night, Magic MVP, teamed with Darrell Rideout, blasted out of the gate with this 30 to 1 shot and, around the opening turn, had a widening lead measuring about a half dozen lengths at the opening marker in a “hot” :28 on this “cool,” damp night.

Sir Ballykeel, the 4 to 5 tote-board favorite, was a patient second and still six lengths back at the half in :57.3.

On the backside, that lead began to melt quickly and was just about all gone as Sir Ballykeel looked the leader in the eye at the third station in 1:27.2.

From there, the issue was never in doubt as Sir Ballykeel widened his lead to the wire.

Magic MVP did hold on for fourth, just a nose better than Dontyousayit, beginning from the second tier for Christina Johnson, who picked up the nickel.

SIR BALLYKEEL REPLAY

For Don Sherman, it was his 41st success this season, his best since 2005 when he won 43 times, and, in terms of purse money, 2023 has been his best, banking $332,790 for GLADA charitable distribution.

For Sir Ballykeel, it’s his best year, as well, with this win vaulting his scorecard to 5-3-8 in 32 starts, good for $47,194 and $86,119.

Sir Ballykeel, owned by Paul O’Neil, is a new arrival in the Jessica Roegner Stable and has won two of three starts in his new home.

He rewarded his many faithful with a $3.80 win mutuel.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by John Berry, for GLADA