East Rutherford, NJ – Some people have cake to celebrate the day they were born; others celebrate by taking winner’s circle photos.  That is exactly what happened Friday night in the first race at the Meadowlands as Joe Lee celebrated in style on his birthday by winning the amateur event on the card.

With several of the nine pacers leaving hard from the gate, there was a lot of action and traffic going to the quarter pole.  After a 27.1 first quarter, Monica Banca was able to get last week’s winner, CC Big Boy Sam, to the lead before the half, but she paid the price and it was short lived.

Banca was challenged by Serious Major, driven by rookie reinsman Tyler Miller, who was parked for the first half-mile.  He was able to clear to the lead as they headed into the stretch.

But it turned out to be a night for the deep closers and Joe Lee, aboard Just N Berlander, who got away eighth set up his three-wide charge as the field turned for home to win in 1:53 flat.

“I knew there would be a lot of speed and so we got away in the back,” said Lee after the race.  “We had some decent cover and once I tipped him, he kicked it into gear and rolled home.  He’s great from off the pace.”

Lee was able to stave off another closer from way back, Jackamino, driven by Mark Silva who finished second just a head back.  Miller and Serious Major were able to hold on for the show dough.

Just N Berlander is an 8-year-old gelding out of Stonebridge Regal and is owned by The Red Man Stable, Never Too Late Racing LLC and Linda Walters.  He is trained by Eric Abbatiello.

The GSY will be back next week for its regular weekly event that will go for a purse of $11,000.  The first race post is slated for 7:15 p.m.