Amateurs shine in GLADA Series

.Northfield, Ohio—Two divisions of amateur drivers in the Great Lakes Amateur Series were contested at Northfield Park on July 5 and when the judges declared each official and Eddie Miller walked away with decisive harness racing victories in their respective splits.

Sherman won the early event with Palmer’s Pride in 1:57 while Miller copped the later division with Bold Strategy in 1:56. Both winners were odds-on favorites.

In his split Sherman took no prisoners when he sent Palmers Pride to the lead from the two-hole and led the field by the first stanza in :28.4. All alone on the lead Sherman got the field by the half in :59.1.

Sensing the slowed pace Manny Miller, who was traveling along in third place with Voss Volo, moved his charge out to challenge and as they were one-two- as the field trotted by the three quarters. But when they rounded the final turn Voss Volo began to fade and Crime Fighter( Eddie Miller) took up the chase.

Strong on the lead, in the lane Palmers Pride drew off to a 2-length triumph over Crime Fighter. Voss Volo hung on for the show dough.

Palmers Pride, a 10-year-old altered son of Monsieur Kan Due, is owned by Jessica Roegner and trained by Judy Roegner. He paid $3.60 for win.

Eddie Miller won his $8,800 split in similar fashion. When the gate sprung Miller gunned his charge to the lead and was challenged by That’s A Bad Boy (Marvin Raber) and they traveled heads apart by the quarter in :28 and were still one-two as they trotted by the half in :57. But the quick early speed took its toll and That’s A Bad Boy tired and Steve Oldford took over second place with Hititoutoftepark as the field rounded the final turn.

In the lane Bold Strategy was still strong and trotted on to 2-1/2 length triumph in 1:56. Hititoutofthepark was second and two lengths farther back in third was Sass, driven by Don Sherman. Miller trains the winner for Rebecca Sugg, Watson Harness Racing, and Mary Stucky. He paid $3.00 for win.

For full race results, click here.

by John Manzi, for the Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association