Monticello, NY — Joe Lee won the fifth leg of the GSY Series on Monday (Feb. 3) at Monticello.

As the field of eight pacers left the gate, several horses wanted the top spot but the inside two post positions would not allow that to happen. Monica Banca, making her 2020 GSY debut behind Glamorgal, left hard from the rail and took command through a fast :28.3 first quarter over the good Monticello half-mile oval.

Philip “Bo” Sowers, driving All Artist, also left out of there from his two hole post position and was not going to let anyone take the pocket away from him. This forced post time favorite Howmacsblackjack, with Bob Davis in the sulky, to take a tuck in third and the field stayed that way up until the half.

That is when Davis pulled his pacer first up and he dug in gamely but was never able to get to the front and was a tough luck second. Joe Lee, driving Bettor Reason N, pulled three wide near the three-quarter pole and sustained his momentum under heavy urging to win by a hard fought head over Davis. Sowers picked up the show dough.

What made this race exciting was the fact that the entire field was separated by just 2-3/4 lengths. Drivers were vying for placings in order to get into the top eight and make the final next week (for a $7,500 purse). The mile was timed in 1:59.3.

Bettor Reason N is a 12-year-old gelding by Bettor’s Delight and is owned and trained by Thomas Milici.

The final will be held next Monday afternoon at Monticello for a $7,500 purse. A majority of the drivers who raced today will be back next week to go for the top billing. Post time is scheduled for 12:25 p.m.