In just his fourth start of the season, freshman pacer Ollies Ztam cinched victory in the third leg of the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes Finals for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings at Hoosier Park Racing and Casino on Thursday, Aug. 23.
With Sam Wider in the bike, Ollies Ztam coasted across the wire in 1:51:1, lowering his lifetime mark by almost two seconds.
Post-time favourite Outloud moved for the top early, pacing to the first quarter in :27.2 with Melanies Tedy and Trace Tetrick tracking in the pocket.
By the time Outloud reached the half in :56.4, Ollies Ztam launched his bid for control and quickly reached the front before entering the final turn. Ollies Ztam maintained his position through the three-quarters in 1:23.
Ollies Ztam left his competitors behind as he finished four-and-a-half lengths in front. Pure Rock and John DeLong charged home to finish second while Tellmeaboutit and Dale Hiteman also closed well for third.
Ollies Ztam paid $7.60 for his betting backers.
“He’s good gaited and he’s got great speed,” owner Wilbur Eash said in the winner’s circle after the victory. “He’s been good since he’s been down here at Hoosier Park but he was still a little immature. I said about a month ago, though; we might have a surprise on our hands.”
Ollies Ztam, son of Tellitlikeitis and Gens Z Tam, is trained by Jamie Macomber and has now won three of four lifetime starts. This win brings Ollies Ztam’s lifetime purse earnings to $55,500 for owners Wilbur H. Eash and Z Tam Stables LLC. Ollies Ztam is expected to remain in Indiana for the remainder of the sires stakes season.
Indiana Sires Stakes action will continue at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Friday, Aug. 24 with the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes Final for the three-year-old pacing colts and geldings. The evening’s 13-race card will also feature a $21,000 Invitational Pace.
(With files from Hoosier Park)