Red Mile: Mike's Z Tam doubles up during Grand Circuit Meet

Mike's Z Tam, who won a Bluegrass division last week, backed up that victory by winning the first $200,000 Tattersalls split for 3-year-old pacing colts on Sunday afternoon at The Red Mile in 1:52 4/5.

Ocean Colony (Mark MacDonald) took the group of five to the opening quarter in 29 2/5 over the sloppy going, but public choice Downbytheseaside (Brian Sears) rushed out of the third position and became the new leader prior to the 57 second half-mile marker.

Downbytheseaside's Brian Brown stablemate Mcthriller (David Miller) moved first-over out of third on the far turn and gained ground on Downbytheseaside to the 1:25 1/5 three-quarters, and he also towed Mike's Z Tam (Pat Lachance) and Miso Fast (Matt Kakaley) into the race from second- and third-over, respectively.

In the lane Downbytheseaside looked to kick on as Sears popped the plugs, but he gave way to both Mike's Z Tam and Miso Fast, and they would go on to decide it, with Mike's Z Tam holding on to win by a nose. Downbytheseaside had to settle for third.

"He was so good last week that I'm not surprised. I thought he had a legitimate shot. I'm happy that we went," said Lachance. "It is a big win. We've been racing him right all year and it finally paid off."

Lachance also trains and co-owns the victorious Bettor's Delight gelding with partners Z Tam Stables LLC., M And M Harness Racing LLC., and Royal Flush Stable LLC. This was his ninth career win, and he has now earned $253,656. He paid $12.60 to win as a 5-1 offering.

"I'm not sure what happened today yet," said trainer Brian Brown about Downbytheseaside. "Brian (Sears) told me to pull blood on him and that maybe he has an infection. We'll see what happens."