East Rutherford NJ — The rain came early and added some much needed moisture into The Meadowlands surface but by post time the track was lightening fast and ready for some sizzling times on Saturday night (June 29).

The first race on the card had eight horses go to the post for the GSY amateur event. Several horses left for position, but it was Tyler Miller, aboard Serious Major, that got the lead and held it all the way to the wire. After a hot first quarter in :27 flat he was able to settle his gelding down through a :56.4 half-mile, and then sprinted the second half-mile to a :55 back half.

That made it challenging for any closers. Rob Harmon, driving post time favorite, Stormont Czar A, came from way back to get second and pocket sitter, May I Cruise West, with Mark Schullstrom holding the lines, was able to hold onto third-over Good Day Mate, with Matt Zuccarello in the sulky, who had a tough trip and clearance late.

The mile was paced in 1:51.4, which makes it one of the fastest amateur pacing events in recent history.

The 5-year-old gelding by Art Major is owned by Melvin Fink and trained by Nick Surick.

The GSY will be back next week for four weeks at a new venue, Monticello Raceway, but will race its final for this mini-series at the Meadowlands on the eve of the Hambletonian (Aug. 2), for a purse of $17,000. The first race post is slated for 7:15 p.m. next Friday night at the Big M.