Harness racing has always been an integral part of David "Proud Poppa" Glasser's life since his folks, Arthur and Evelyn were prominent horse owners during his youth and his love for the sport never diminished over the years.
True, he got a college education but he always dabbled in and loved any opportunity that afforded him a chance to sit behind a spirited steed. And on Saturday evening (Sept. 26) at Vernon Downs the president of a litigation support company scored his first seasonal driving victory when he copped a Billings trot in a time of 1:57.2 with Celebrity Stimulus, a 5-year-old altered son of Cantab Hall which he co-owns with Joel Golub.
After starting from the two-hole Glasser was content to allow "Howie the Horse" Gelfand to take command with De Nada at the first stanza as the timer flashed :27.2. From there Glasser sat chilly and followed the cover afforded by Gelfand's charge even when trailing horses made moves up the backside to challenge the leader. But on the final turn Glasser saw daylight and moved his trotter alongside Da Nada and then charged to the lead as Bob "the Headhunter" Hechkoff rallied with favored Berkshire. Both trotters raced side-by-side down the lane but after their covered trip Celebrity Stimulus was the strong horse and spurted off to a 1-1/2 length triumph. Although Berkshire faded in the deep stretch he held on for second place a length ahead of Pixel Queen who was in rein to Scott "the Driving Doctor" Woogen.
Celebrity Stimulus, trained by Homer Hochstetler, was sent off as second choice in the race and paid $5.50 for win.
The Billings Series moves on with races slated at both Yonkers Raceway and the Red Mile on Thursday, Oct.1st.
by John Manzi for the Billings Series