And add the fact that last years winningest trotter, Eng-amer Bobby driven by Steve "You're Never Too" Oldford, already was one-for-one this year and would have had all the attention in the contest.

Obviously undaunted by the aforementioned opinion, the lady and Spit Happens settled down in third place after the field sped away from the gate and Oldford and Eng- amer Bobby cruised to a soft :30:1 first stanza.

Oldford's trotter was comfortable on the lead as the field passed the half in 1:00:2 and they still had 1-1/2 lengths as they passed the three quarters in 1:30 at which point Ruvola and Spit Happens still remained covered in third position.

When the field headed down the long homestretch and Spit Happens ranged alongside Eng-amer Bobby the pace quickened as two raced side by side to the finish and in the final strides the lady was the champ as Spit Happens got a head decision over eng-amer Bobby.. The two leaders trotted the final stanza in :28:3 en route to a 1:58:3 victory. Third place went to Done Dreamen in rein to "Trader Bud" Hatfield.

On Monday, June 15 two eastern region Billings splits will be contested at Yonkers Raceway prior to the betting card with a 6pm post time.

The next mid-west region action will be on Monday, June 22 at Hazel Park Raceway in greater Detroit, MI.

John MANZI