by Matt Zuccarello, GSY Series Reporter

East Rutherford, NJ — The 2016 GSY Amateur Series was contested in two divisions Friday night (April 1) at the Meadowlands.

The skies opened up about 30 minutes from post time to create a sloppy track for both amateur events.

A field of 10 went to post in race one which saw 2015 Amateur Driver of the Year Hannah Miller go wire-to-wire with 3-1 second betting choice Cup Day Spur N. After having some broken equipment at the start of the race (broken headpole), Hannah carved out some sensible fractions and coasted to a two length win in 1:58.3. The old classy Captain Primeau captured second with Roy Marohn in the bike and third was the favorite, Six Bax, driven by top amateur Robert Krivelin.

In the A division and second amateur event of the night that took place in race three, there was plenty of speed for the entire mile. The lead was held by last week’s winner in the B division, Keystone Thomas, driven by Robert Hechkoff, for nearly the entire mile. He carved out honest fractions but came up a nose short at the finish to another top amateur driver and post time favorite, Dein Spriggs, with Detroit Rapper. The race was timed in a fast 1:55.3 over the sloppy going. Hechkoff held on for second and third went to Spider Blue Chip, who was parked the entire mile and claimed out of the race, with Tony Beltrami in the sulky.

The betting public continues to show their huge support and love of amateur racing at the Meadowlands. More than $627,000 was wagered on both events, including Pick-4s, Pick-5s, and the Daily Double.

Another two events will go next Friday night at the Meadowlands. Come out to enjoy a night of racing and watch the professionals and amateurs of harness racing at the Big M.