by Matt Zuccarello, GSY Series Reporter

East Rutherford, NJ — As the spring weather is around the corner, another amateur field of eight trotters went to the post in the first race Friday night (March 16) at the Big M.

When the gate sprung open, there were three trotters that went for the lead but everyone got their position as the quarter pole approached. That is when longshot Gold Medal Swan, with Michael Marx Jr. took control of the lead and carved out sensible fractions en route to a three-length victory.

He took the lead from Party On The River, who this week was driven by Monica Banca. After going a tepid :29.4 and :58.2 to the quarter and half-mile poles, he was able to sustain his lead and had no real challengers as he crossed under the wire with plenty left in the tank for this event that was timed in 1:57.1.

He was sent off at long odds and paid a generous $24.80 for every $2 win bet. Coming from way back was the post time favorite, Tropical Storm Bi, with Anthony Ciuffetelli in the bike to get up for second. Danish Durango, with Robert Hechkoff in the sulky, was able to regain and finish third, after being out for over a half-mile.

It was Marx’s first win of the season in the amateur ranks. This 5-year-old gelding is by of Swan For All and is owned and trained by Mark Silva.

Next week, the third leg of the GSY series continues on Friday night with the first post slated for 6:35 p.m.