Calabrese captures Billings Pace

MILTON, Ont.— Amateur harness racing driver John Calabrese took the lead and never looked back in progress to a 1:53.1 win with Bettor Than Pride (Betterthancheddar) in the $14,000 Billings Pace at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Monday (Oct. 14).

Leaving from post 7, Calabrese crossed to command with Bettor Than Pride and pocketed 9-5 favorite Typhoon Stride N (driven by Robert Ciavardini) to a :27.1 first quarter. Calabrese stayed on the pedal up the backside to a :55.4 half while his peers in rear continued to chase.

Little motion came from the backfield through the final turn – stymied by HF Pans Shadow (Marc Andre Pilon) getting rough in stride – while Bettor Than Pride remained on the muscle to three-quarters in 1:24.3. Bettor Than Pride held his ground through the long stretch as Typhoon Stride N angled outside to challenge but settled for second, beaten a length.

Rilkoff (Julie Walker), the longest shot on the board, rallied for third and Thatll Be Tiger (Anthony Verruso) saved ground for fourth.