by Matt Zuccarello, GSY Series reporter
East Rutherford, NJ — The fourth week of the fall GSY Series took place on Friday night (Dec. 2) under mid-40 degree temperatures. The first race at the Big M sent 10 trotters to the gate with an unusual start and result to the quarter pole.
Nobody was parked out, as is commonplace in the amateur events, and there was only one real leaver, Mitchell “Kelly Sky” Walker, aboard post time favorite, Stemilt Touch. That team took command from start to wire and carved out modest fractions en route a 3-1/2 length victory, grabbing the lion’s share of the $6,500 purse.
He felt some pressure mid-way through the race but never relinquished the lead and hit the mile timer in 1:57.1.
This was Walker’s first start in the fall series and won it in hand.
Winwood Scout, the second betting choice made by the public, sat the pocket the entire journey and wound up second, with Tony Beltrami holding the lines. “Hot Hands” Hannah Miller, driving Dream Rocker rounded out the trifecta.
Stemit Touch is 6-year-old gelding by Andover Hall. He is owned by Kelly Walker Stable LLC and trained by Robert Baggitt Jr.
Next week will continue with the fifth leg of this exciting GSY Series at the Big M. Don’t miss out on seeing some live and hot harness racing as the temperatures cool down this winter.