by Matt Zuccarello, GSY Series Reporter
East Rutherford, NJ — Under clear skies and 34 degree temperatures at post time, the GSY B division took to the track in the first race on the Thursday (Dec. 21) card.
As the gate sprung open, there was only one hard leaver, Keystone Thomas, with Bob Hechkoff in the sulky, who took command up top where he likes to be.
He held the lead to the three-quarter pole but that is when pocket sitter Here Comes Numbers, with Jennifer Lappe in the bike, popped the two-hole en route to a five-length victory. This was a perfect and patient drive by this P license amateur driver.
Coming from way back to garner second was Bold Fresh, driven by GSY rookie Aaron Hall and Hechkoff held off a couple of late closers to finish third.
Lappe’s backers were happy to collect at the windows to a tune of $22.40 for a $2 win bet. The mile was timed in a fast 1:57 for the B division.
This 9-year-old gelding by Here Comes Herbie is owned by Patrick Laiso and Lappe, who also trains this horse.
Next week, the GSY series finishes out the year with racing on Thursday night at the Big M. They will move to the Friday night card come January.
Happy Holidays to all harness racing enthusiasts. First post is 7:15 p.m.