East Rutherford, NJ — When the big money is on the line Joe Lee is usually right there at the finish.  This week was the GSY Series final that went for a generous purse of $16,000 and it was no different.

As the gates opened, there was a scramble for the lead, and after the quarter-mile stanza came up, Montefalco N (James Slendorn) found himself in front and he held this position as the field turned for home.  A patient Lee sat in along the pylons and inched his way up towards the leaders.

When the 10 pacers entered the stretch, there were four horses that could take the top spot including Kingofthejungle (James Foley), Slendorn aboard Montefalco N, Whatstroublnurocky (Marianna Monaco), and Franco Tristan N (Joe Lee).

Well, Lee entered the stretch in fourth and came charging hard on the outside when he had clearance and was able to win by just over a length in the mile event that went in a fast 1:51.3.

Foley got up at the wire for second over Slendorn, who finished third.  It was an exciting end to the race and this series.  The 9-year-old gelding is out of the mare Thoroughly Franco and is sired by McArdle.  He is owned by Scheigert Racing Stable LLC out of New York and is trained by Amanda Kelley.

The amateur pacers and trotters will be back next Friday night for an encore before their season goes on hiatus until the fall.  Post time is scheduled for 6:15 p.m.