by Matt Zuccarello, GSY Series reporter
East Rutherford, NJ — The third week of the fall GSY Series took place on Friday night (Nov. 25) under clear skies with a field of 10 going to post. It was the second race on the card and only three of the 10 trotters left the gate hard from behind the starting car.
At the first stanza and through mid-stretch, “Joltin” Joe Lee held command aboard Windsun Fireball. He carved out sensible fractions, but couldn’t hold off hard charging Ellen’s Streak with “Dr.” John Kokinos in the sulky. The duo went on to win by a half-length in 1:57.1 for the mile.
This was the second week in a row that Kokinos won with this 6-year old mare by CR Excalibur. Ellen’s Streak is owned and trained by his wife Jennifer Lappe. Kokinos’ win was a most impressive feat as he drew the dreaded 10-hole, got away sixth and then was parked on the outer rim for the entire mile. He and Ellen’s Streak then gained cover for a short time midway through the race before moving three-wide after the three quarter pole to get up in time for the win.
Lee held on for the second place finish with Windsun Fireball and Wygant Prince, with “Coach” Paul Minore wound up third. The winner, also the post time favorite, paid a modest $7.40 in this wide-open betting race on Black Friday.
Next week will continue with the fourth leg of this exciting GSY Series on Friday night (Dec. 2) at the Big M. Don’t miss out and come join the fun while taking in some live harness racing.