by Matt Zuccarello, GSY Series reporter

East Rutherford, NJ — As the Spring Fling GSY amateur series enters its final legs over the next two weeks, a newcomer to the amateur ranks made a major statement in his first start this year on Friday (April 6) at the Meadowlands.

Mark Silva, known in the industry for his training ability, decided to not only warm up his horse on this beautiful spring night, but also to race in the first race on the card.

There was only two hard leavers from the opening gate and for the first time in a few weeks, there was no speed duel up front. Driving Gold Medal Swan, whom he owns and trains, Silva sat in the pocket for a majority of the race behind longshot front-runner, Uriel, driven by Annie Stoebe.

She carved out sensible fractions for the first three-quarters of a mile, but as they entered the stretch, Silva made his move. He popped the pocket and was able to hold off all closers to a length victory that was timed in a swift 1:55.1.

Getting up for second by closing on the inside was Roy Marohn, aboard Party On The River and Uriel, with Stoebe in the bike, held on for third.

It was Silva’s first start of the year in the amateur ranks and he made all the right moves to get the win.

His backers at the windows were also smiling as he paid a generous $12.80 for every $2 win wager.

As was stated earlier Gold Medal Swan, a 5-year-old gelding out of Swan For All, is owned and trained by Silva himself.

Next week the fifth leg of the GSY Series continues with its sixth and final leg before the finals on the following Friday night at the Big M with the first post slated for 7:15 p.m.