Hoosier Park: Ollie’s Ztam sets lifetime mark in Sire Stakes final

In just his fourth start of the season, freshman pacer Ollie’s Ztam cinched a victory in the third leg of the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes Finals for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings at Hoosier Park Racing and Casino on Thursday, August 23. With Sam Wider in the bike, Ollie’s Ztam coasted across the wire in 1:51 1/5, lowering his lifetime mark by almost two seconds.

Before the wings of the gate folded, the race looked like it belonged to Outloud, who was sent off as the 3/5 post time favorite and driver Peter Wrenn sent him to the front accordingly. Outloud reached the first quarter in 27 2/5 and was closely followed by Melanie’s Tedy and Trace Tetrick in the pocket.

By the time Outloud reached the half in 56 4/5, Ollie’s Ztam wanted his turn on the front and made his game winning move, quickly reaching the front as the field approached the final turn. Ollie’s Ztam maintained his position through the three-quarters in 1:23 and began to put his talent on display.

Employing a 27 3/5 final quarter, Ollie’s Ztam left his competitors behind finishing four and a half lengths in front. Pure Rock and John DeLong came charging hard to finish second while Tellmeaboutit and Dale Hiteman also closed well for third. Ollie’s Ztam paid $7.60 for his betting backers.

“He’s good gaited and he’s got great speed,” owner Wilbur Eash noted 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.”

Ollie’s 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 Ollie’s Ztam’s lifetime purse earnings to $55,500 for owners Wilbur H. Eash and Z Tam Stables LLC. Ollie’s 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, August 24 with the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes Final for the 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings. The evening’s 13-race card will also feature a $21,000 Invitational Pace.

-edited release (Emily Gaskin for Hoosier Park)