Ossetra comes from California to capture Tall Stacks Stakes

Ossetra, formerly based in Southern California with trainer Bob Baffert, successfully shortened in distance to win Saturday’s $75,000 Tall Stacks Stakes for Ohio-bred 3-year-olds at Belterra Park.

Cutting back to a sprint for the first time since winning his career debut last October at Santa Anita, Ossetra ($4.20) rallied from fourth after the first-half mile and outfinished Buckeye Bullet to win by a length. He covered 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:17.12. Riding in the Wind finished third, his first loss in five outings against statebreds.

Luis Quinones, the rider of Buckeye Bullet, lodged an objection against Ossetra and jockey Rodney Prescott for interference during the stretch run. There was also a stewards’ inquiry involving the same segment of the race. But after a review of the race, the order of finish was unchanged.

A son of Into Mischief making his first start for trainer Doug Cowans, Ossetra is owned by Michael Foster. He is now 2 for 4 lifetime.