Monticello, NY — The GSY Spring Series kicked off its first leg at Monticello and a field of seven pacers went to post for the fourth race on the card.

Sammy B Happy set sail for the lead with GSY Series President Dave Yarock in the bike and he was able to carve out sensible fractions that almost took him to the winners’ circle. His speedy pacer held the lead into the stretch but was collared by the big favorite, Masterson and Joe Lee.

Lee stated after the race, “I thought I was in trouble getting away near the back of the pack. When I moved him three wide down the backside he kicked it into gear and I was able to pass the leader in the final strides.”

Indeed he did come home nicely with a final quarter of :28.2 and was able to make up the eight-plus lengths that he spotted the field from the start.

Yarock did hold on to second and Cashncam (Tony Beltrami) rounded out the trifecta. The mile went in 1:59.

Masterson is a 9-year-old gelding by Bettor’s Delight out of the mare Tug River Princess. He is owned and trained by Thomas Milici.

The GSY amateurs will be back at Monticello next Thursday afternoon for the second leg of this Spring Series that goes for a $6,000 purse. The first post is scheduled at 12:15 p.m.