by Matt Zuccarello, GSY Series Reporter
East Rutherford, NJ — Another leg in the Hot To Trot Series went to post on Friday night (June 1) at The Meadowlands and for the third consecutive week, a familiar face was in the winner’s circle, this time aboard a new horse.
Joe Lee, sitting behind Fiji, a trotter owned and normally driven by fellow amateur David Offenberg, sat off pacesetter Winwood Scout, with David Glasser holding the lines, for the first quarter-mile. Since these two were the main leavers, along with Tech Titan, with Sarah Svanstedt in the sulky, Lee had plenty of time to make a move to the top. He did so just after the half-mile stanza and never looked back en route to a length victory.
Svanstedt had the toughest journey as she was outside for the entire mile but her horse was strong enough to finish second. Coming from the back of the pack to garner the show dough was Multitaskr Hanover, with Jennifer Lappe in the bike.
Lee has hit his stride lately, driving some nice stock and ended up the favorite again this week. He paid only $3.60 for every $2 win ticket. With ideal temperatures for a fast mile, the amateurs didn’t disappoint and went a crisp 1:54 final mile for the winner.
This 5-year-old gelding by Cantab Hall is owned by David Offenberg’s Allister Stables and is trained by Eric Abbatiello.
The sixth leg of the Hot To Trot Series will continue next Friday night at The Big M. The first post is slated for 7:15 p.m.