by Matt Zuccarello, GSY Series Reporter

East Rutherford, NJ — What was billed as the best GSY Series Amateur race of the year certainly lived up to its billing. On paper this figured to be a fast and highly contested race with several speed horses and several closers going to post.

Jimmy Marshall IV, aboard Doc Simon’s Dream left the gate and went the first quarter in an ambitious :26.4. This could be the fastest quarter in amateur racing history for any trotting field. He held onto the lead until the three-quarter pole but then the stalkers and closers started to move in. With horses two, three, and four-wide around the final turn and looking to cop the top spot, a patient John Calabrese, aboard Keenan, waited until a hole opened up for him to get through in route to his 3-1/4 length victory.

The race ended up going in 1:54.3.

Calabrese owns, trains and drives this 8-year-old son by Credit Winner.

Real DJ Hanover, driven by Sarah Svanstedt finished second, and the other lady in the field, Hannah Miller aboard Jacks To Open, finished third.

Next Friday (July 1), the GSY Series Amateur Series will be back racing for a purse of $10,000 at the Big M.

There will be lots of fun-filled racing on this upcoming Fourth of July weekend card. First post is at 7:15 p.m.