George and Tina Dennis Racing’s Back Pocket Miki ($70.20, Mike Cole) was a 1:52.2 winner in the $22,500 Open Pace Monday at Harrington Raceway.
The 6-year-old Always B Miki gelding received a three-hole trip behind long shot Tack Room Chatter, before a powerful first-over kick saw him clear and win by two-lengths. Tack Room Chatter was second with Steven’s Saloon third. It was his 8th win of the year for trainer Joe Columbo, who is just one win behind Chuck Crissman Jr. atop the trainer standings with just two nights remaining in the meet. Columbo and Cole teamed up for a triple on the card for owners George and Tina Dennis.
While the training title remains in doubt, Brandon Givens was awarded the driving crown Monday evening, after clinching the title last week over Art Stafford Jr. and Corey Callahan. Givens (141 wins) won 4 races Monday and over the course of the meet drove many winners for his father, Les Givens and uncle Wayne Givens, who are in the top six in the trainer standings. He was also the regular driver for standout pacer Wehadababyetzaboy, who had 8 wins at the meet and banked approximately $150,000. Friends and family joined Givens in the winner’s circle to celebrate his title.
Two nights of racing remain in Harrington’s 80th anniversary season, with a 15-race card on Tuesday (October 20) and 13-race program Wednesday (October 21).