Scioto: Tattoo Artist romps by open lengths in Jim Ewart Memorial

Tattoo Artist continued his winning ways on Saturday night at Eldorado Scioto Downs. Following up his upset victory in the Canadian Pacing Derby a week ago, the 6-year-old son of He's Watching blew past Beach Glass at three-quarters and went on to a breezing 1:48 2/5 mile in capturing the $260,000 Jim Ewart Memorial. Louis-Philippe Roy guided Tattoo Artist for trainer Dr. Ian Moore.

Beach Glass, making his first start in 10 months, blasted out from post nine at the outset and cleared the lead rather easily from Chase H Hanover midway on the opening bend. Hellabalou also took an early spot after leaving from the outside, while Roy neatly tucked Tattoo Artist along the pylons while improving his starting position. With an opening quarter in 25 4/5 cut by Beach Glass, Roy sensed a slowing second quarter and sent Tattoo Artist up without cover three-eighths of a mile into the contest. Backstreet Shadow followed that cover, and Charlie May tracked third-over through the half in 54 1/5.

The expected duel between Beach Glass and Tattoo Artist never materialized as the former was powerless to contend with the streaking Tattoo Artist, as Roy called on his horse and he marched past the leader and well-clear of those he was towing into the race. A 26 1/5 final quarter sprint proved Tattoo Artist was much the best of this group as Backstreet Shadow fought gamely to the wire to hold off last year's Ewart champion Charlie May in the battle for place. Chase H Hanover avoided a horrible shuffle on the final turn and rallied for fourth, with Little Rocket Man fifth across the wire.

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Owned by Let It Ride Stables, Frank Cannon, Diamond Creek Racing and Bottom Line Racing, Tattoo Artist returned $4 to win in his third straight triumph, all with Roy in the sulky.