Northfield: Odds On Platinum romps in Courageous Lady

Odds On Platinum didn't let her backers down in Saturday night's $100,000 Courageous Lady for sophomore pacing fillies at MGM Northfield Park, as the 1-5 favorite delivered the goods in a 1:51 2/5 performance.

With David Miller in the bike, Odds On Platinum got away in the third spot while 23-1 shot Soft Shot (Justin Irvine) cleared Sarasota Hanover (Scott Zeron) nearing the 26 3/5 opening quarter. Soft Shot then backed down the half to 55 2/5 as Miller got going first-over just past that marker.

Soft Shot managed to fend off Odds On Platinum to the 1:23 three-quarters, but early on the far turn Odds On Platinum forged her way by and was able to cross back down to the pylons. From there, it was all Odds On Platinum as she kicked away from the rest of the field en route to a 4 3/4 length triumph. Gone Coastal (Dan Noble), who was last at the half, followed cover in the third quarter, went back to the pylons on the last turn after advancing and then came up the passing lane in the stretch to get second, and Soft Shot held third.

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"It's very cool here tonight and windy, and the track's been done over here, so I think that's pretty good," said winning trainer Dr. Ian Moore. "She's trained on a half-mile the last two summers, and she's no problem. I told (Miller) she can bust the gate if he wants to, but she does race better chasing one. It worked out really good. A bit concerned first-up, but I knew she'd hang tough. She's turned into a very nice filly this year.

"She's very long. She wears like about a 63-inch hobble. She's got a long stride to her and a headpole on the bridle, that's it. She's just getting better every start."

A daughter of Bettor's Delight bred by Hanover Shoe Farms, Odds On Platinum is owned by Let It Ride Stables Inc. and Odds On Racing. This was her sixth win from 21 career starts, she has now earned $454,413 and she paid $2.40 to win.