Monticello, NY – A compact field of six went to post over a fast Monticello half-mile oval on Monday (Feb. 24) in the third race on the card with perfect spring-like conditions. As the gate opened, only two horses left hard for the lead and a “professional” give and go to the quarter pole took place between the public betting choice, Zone Blitz, with Joe Lee holding the lines, and Keystone Camaro, with Philip “Bo” Sowers, doing the driving.

They posted nice leisurely fractions up front to the quarter and half and it looked like this is the way the race was going to finish. After the half came up in 59.1, that is when GSY Series President Dave Yarock, driving his recent claim That’s Official, pulled his three-hole spot and slowly grinded up towards the leader.

The third quarter was fast for this amateur field (28.3) and as the field approached the final turn, Lee and Yarock were neck and neck vying for the victory. When the pacers hit the wire, it was Yarock getting up in time by a nose in 1:57.2.

It was Yarock’s first victory in quite some time, longer than he cared to mention via phone after the race. He said,  “it was nice to get back into the winner’s circle and I wasn’t taking any chances today so that is why I moved my horse out early after the half. He kept on going and I was happy to finally get my nose first under the wire, since it’s been a long time.”

His backers at the windows were treated to an $8.10 return for every $2 win bet. The 7- year-old gelding is out of Art Official, is owned by Yarock himself and his trainer is Dawn Deveaux.

The GSY Series will continue its circuit next week on Friday (Feb. 28)  at the Meadowlands and Monday (March 2) at Monticello Raceway.