East Rutherford, NJ — The third race on Friday night’s (Jan. 29) card at The Meadowlands featured ten pacers for the GSY Series amateur event. With 20 degree temperature and windy conditions, the track had a -2 variant. That didn’t stop the amateurs from leaving the gate hard and vying for position.

Although there wasn’t the customary speed duel, a few pacers were parked on the outside for the mile, since there was minimal room for holes going to the quarter pole. Scirocco Mistysaid (Tony Beltrami) took command early and never had an anxious moment throughout the mile. He was able to carve out sensible fractions en route to his 3-3/4 length victory.

“I made an audible at the gate and with the windy conditions I decided to take a shot for the lead. After watching the first race I knew it would be tough to win from far back. I am glad it worked out,” Beltrami said.

Indeed it did and his hot streak with trainer Williams Hernandez has certainly paid off. Although sent off as the second choice by the betting public, Scirocco Mistysaid paid a generous $8.40 to win. Longshot Northern Rock (John Calabrese) rounded out the Italian exacta and pocket sitter and post time favorite, Whatstroublnurocky (Robert Hechkoff) finished third. The mile went in 1:54.2.

The winner is a 5-year-old gelding out of the mare Cold Mist and is sired by Well Said. He is owned by Terrence Smith and trained by Williams Hernandez.

Next week the GSY Series will be back on Friday night with the first post scheduled for 6 p.m.