In the first split of the stakes action, Odds On Osiris made a triumphant return to Harrah’s Hoosier Park, crossing the wire in 1:50.1, a little over a length to the good. With Peter Wrenn in the bike, Odds On Osiris followed through as the 1-5 favourite, paying $2.60 to win.
When the gate opened, Odds On Osiris settled into a spot midpack, letting his competitors set the fractions. Crook Boyzz with Brandon Bates led the field through an opening quarter of :26.2. Wrenn gave Odds On Osiris the go-ahead soon after, moving second-over and surging past the leaders. Crook Boyzz still called the shots at the half in :55.2, but his lead wouldn’t last long.
Odds On Osiris was out and powered to take command at the third quarter in 1:23.2. As the field turned for home, Crook Boyzz appeared ready to battle but Odds On Osiris was too strong and dug in to get the victory, leaving Crook Boyzz to settle for second. Always And Again with John De Long rallied well late in the stretch for third.
“We decided to add Lasix because he did bleed a bit in the North American Cup,” trainer Melanie Wrenn said after the win. “He’s been a consistent athlete. At two we tried to find how he likes to race best but this year he has really found his way to race.”
Odds On Osiris has now won 10 of 17 starts, boasting a lifetime bankroll of $576,425 for owners Odds On Racing. The son of Rockin Image-Antigua Hanover was bred by Merlie Schwartz.
Rounding the stakes events for the night was Dojea Gizmo providing the 15-1 upset for driver-trainer Dan Shetler. Equaling his lifetime mark of 1:51, Dojea Gizmo made his game-winning move up the backside to score his fifth win.
As the wings of the gate opened, Family Recipe with James Yoder surged to the front through the first quarter in :27.2. Dojea Gizmo was ready to attack and was on top by a length at the half in :56.4. Dojea Gizmo continued unchallenged through third quarter in 1:24.3.
As the field turned for home, Doeja Gizmo felt Family Recipe digging in behind him. The pair ended up matching strides for much of the stretch but Dojea Gizmo came out on top. Family Recipe held on for second. Clever Character with Ricky Macomber Jr. recovered from a break at the start, rallying late for third. Dojea Gizmo paid $32.40 to win with the upset.
“We didn’t really race him as a two-year-old,” Shetler said in the winner’s circle, “but I always knew he had that speed. He’s incredibly versatile and durable.”
The son of Tellitlikeitis-Postmark, Dojea Gizmo has now won five of 18 starts. He sports a lifetime bankroll of $74,343 for owners Dan Shetler and the Dojea Stables, who also bred the gelding.
With Friday’s Pick-4 sequence going unsolved, producing a $5,447.69 carryover, the Pick-4 pool will be guaranteed at $10,000 for Saturday’s 14-race card. Racing action will continue at Harrah’s Hoosier Park on Saturday, (Sept. 19) with both an Open Trot and an Open Pace.
(Harrah's Hoosier Park)