Northfield, Ohio–The Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association kicked-off its 2021 season with a trot at Northfield Park, and when the judges hung the official sign, Eddie Miller emerged victorious with Bold Strategy, turning back eight others with a 1:58.4 triumph.
Miller, just 24 years of age, is in his second season of amateur driving, and tonight’s victory was his first of the season.
Up behind the odds-on favorite, Miller knew that the best place to be is on the front-end, so it was to no one’s surprise when he sent his charge to the lead when the wings of the mobile gate folded, but he needed a 27.4 quarter to accomplish that. Heading to the first stanza, Steve Oldford, who was on the limb with Gonna Fly, found a seat third along the pylons as Miller kept the pedal to the metal and led his competition by the halfway point in :57.4.
Up the backside, Oldford was forced off the pylons as others from the back moved to the outside and began moving up. Still, Miller and Bold Strategy were comfortable showing the way into the final turn, and when they straightened for home Bold Strategy was still the one to catch and no one could as the 4-year-old son ofĀ Break The Bank K rebuffed all challenges and went on to a length and a half victory in 1:58.4. Back Door Man rallied from the middle of the pack to finish second for Floyd Rhodes and Oldfrd and Gonna Fly finished third.
The winner, Bold Strategy, is trained by Eddie Miller for owners Rebecca Sugg, Watson Harness Racing, and Mary Stucky. He paid $3.20 for win.
by John Manzi, for GLADA