by Matt Zuccarello, GSY Series reporter

East Rutherford, NJ — The last leg before the finals of the fall/winter GSY Series took place on a rare Thursday night (Dec. 15) card at the Big M. Nine trotters went to post in the second race under brutal artic blast conditions.

With heavy winds and a post time temperature of 18 degrees, Bob “Front End” Hechkoff, aboard Count Speed, took command from the rail and led until the mid-way stanza. James “Guns” Marshall IV, driving Paul Minore’s Wygant Prince, made an aggressive three-wide sweep to the lead, after sitting the pocket to the half-mile.

He held this lead into the deep stretch but couldn’t hold off the post time favorite and eventual winner Fox Valley Steffen, with “Dr.” John Kokinos holding the lines. It was his third victory from five starts that he has participated in this series.

“Hot Hands” Hannah Miller, sitting behind Dream Rocker, got up for place. Marshall IV held on for third.

This 7 year-old gelding is out of International Chip and is owned and trained by Jennifer Lappe.

Next week will be the final of the GSY Series and will take place again on Thursday night (Dec. 22.) The top 10 drivers will be racing for a nice purse of $12,500.

Post time for the first race is 7:15 p.m.