22-1 longshot upsets in Billings Series

DUNDAS, Ont.— Harness racing amateur driver Matt Zuccarello launched a successful off-the-speed assault to win as the second longest shot on the board at odds of 22-1 in the $8,000 Billings Amateur Driving Series Pace at Flamboro Downs on Sunday (May 12).

Leaving from post 6, Zuccarello pulled back with Devils Peak (Camluck) while Choreographer (driven by Daniel St Pierre) bolted for the lead to a :29.4 first quarter and promptly settled on the engine. Garretts Guide (Anthony Verruso) then launched off the pegs as the tempo slowed and rushed from near last towards first with Devils Peak in tow to a 1:00.1 half. But that furious move emptied Garretts Guide and he faltered up the backstretch, forcing Devils Peak three wide to keep position.

Choreographer sped to three-quarters in 1:28.4 though slowed through the final turn all while Devils Peak continued to grind. Devils Peak inched relentlessly towards Choreographer through the stretch and collared the leader to then edge to a three-quarter lengths win in 1:58.1. Dreamy Fella (Nello Guglielmi) rode a pocket trip to take third and Rising Dragon (Julie Walker) finished fourth.

Isaac Waxman trains Devils Peak, a 10-year-old gelding for owners Carmelo Scime. He paid $47.60 to win.

DEVILS PEAK REPLAY

Billings action travels to Woodbine Mohawk Park on Monday (May 13) for a $15,000 event, carded as the fourth race on the 10-race card. First-race post time at Woodbine Mohawk Park is 7:10 p.m. (EDT).

For complete race results, click here.

by Ray Cotolo, for the Billings Amateur Driving Series