Rhodes rallies with Back Door Man

Northfield, Ohio–An inordinate amount of trotters for amateur harness racing drivers on a double oval battled royally in a GLADA trot at Northfield Park on Friday (July 30) and when the judges declared the event official Backdoor Man and driver Floyd Rhodes emerged victorious over nine others in a time of 1:58.4.

Sent off as the soft 8-5 favorite from the three-hole with two trailers Rhodes had little choice but to float softly away when the gate sprung and was ninth at the quarter as Marion Chupp and Curleys Son controlled the front-end.

Chupp turned back all challenges and continued on the lead as Rhodes was stuck in traffic but was slowly moving forward. When his cover began to weaken Rhodes finally moved Back Door Man three deep as the field approached the three quarters which proved to be the winning move.

Once around the leaders Back Door Man had plenty left in the tank as he zipped to the front around the final turn. And in the lane Back Door Man was the one to beat but no one could and he finished a 1-1/4 length winner in 1:58.4. Just Joe finished second for Naquel Harvey while Lion Image (Don Sherman) took home the show dough.

BACK DOOR MAN/FLOYD RHODES REPLAY

Back Door Man, a five-year-old Bluto gelding, is owned and trained by his driver. He paid $5.60 for win.

For full race results, click here.

by John Manzi for the Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association