Mister Marti Gras takes Oliver at 19-1

Mister Marti Gras, a 19-1 shot, came from off the early pace to win the $200,000 Oliver at Indiana Downs Wednesday evening.

Jockey Eduardo Perez got the 3-year-old chestnut gelding to settle near the back of the 12-horse field early in the one-mile turf event, but never more than 5 1/2 lengths off the lead. Mister Marti Gras angled out and rallied into the stretch, wearing down the leaders and winning by a half-length.

Our Douglas led late and crossed the wire second, only to be moved to sixth for interfering with Alfaradi coming into the stretch. Our Douglas came out under Miguel Mena, forcing Alfaradi out.

Hudson Steele was put up from third to second, and Cherokee Lord was placed third. Trained by Chris Block, Mister Marti Gras returned $41.80 for the win and ran the one mile over a firm turf course in 1:34.75.