Hippodrome 3R: Beckham's Z Tam breaks through in Prix d'Ete

Beckham's Z Tam, last year's Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old Colt Pace winner, posted his first stakes victory of 2018 with a 1:52 1/5 performance in the C$200,000 Prix d'Été for 4-year-old male pacers on Sunday afternoon at Quebec's Hippodrome 3R.

Filibuster Hanover (Louis-Philippe Roy) was able to make the lead from post three, and he would get to the opening quarter in 26 3/5. Blood Line (Trevor Henry) came up on the outside to challenge at that point, but Roy was not about to release him and left him parked.

They continued to race that way to the 54 1/5 half, and when Western Joe (Doug McNair) was unable to keep up to Blood Line's cover, it allowed Beckham's Z Tam (Ricky Macomber Jr.) to slide out into a second-over position. That was key, as Beckham's Z Tam came with a three-wide blitz in the backstretch that carried him into command passing the 1:23 2/5 three-quarters.

American Wiggle (Guy Gagnon), who had also tipped three-wide from last down the backstretch and got into contention, had a chance at Beckham's Z Tam through the lane, as did a re-emerging Filibuster Hanover, but neither of them could reach, with Beckham's Z Tam downing American Wiggle by a length and a half. Filibuster Hanover was the third-place finisher.

"I was amazed I was able to get out going to the half. When I got out I was pretty confident," said Macomber Jr. "I knew he could make that big move down the backside. My wife (trainer Jamie) had more confidence putting him on a half than I did, but after the race I felt pretty good about it."

Jamie Macomber trains Beckham's Z Tam, a 4-year-old son of Always A Virgin, for owner Z Tam Stables LLC. This was Beckham's Z Tam's 13th career victory, and he has now earned C$698,934. He was sent off at 9-1 and paid $21.10 to win.

"He handled the ship so well. He ate every piece of food that I put in front of him, and he drank more water than he's ever drank," stated Jamie Macomber. "Going into the race I was very confident. I warmed him up pretty hard, so I was a little upset with myself, but he responded well. I'm not surprised, but I'm extremely happy.

"I would have never come here without the advice of Ron Burke. Ronnie helped me stake this horse for his 4-year-old season. I'm extremely happy that he suggested us racing here."