After being outmatched by the likes of Filibuster Hanover at Pocono, Southwind Ozzi ($4.80) returned to the site of his only prior win to date this year—Harrah's Philadelphia—and delivered a decisive 1:51 score in Sunday afternoon's (Sept. 13) $14,400 top-level pacing feature.
The four-year-old Somebeachsomewhere stallion landed in midfield in the early stages while Joesstar Of Mia A strode clear to control soft early fractions of :28 and :57.2. Before the midway stage, driver Daniel Dubé angled Southwind Ozzi off the pegs from fourth to gain ground, and gain ground he did. Southwind Ozzi attacked Joesstar Of Mia A up the backstretch and sprinted a :25.4 third quarter to seize command.
After hitting the three-quarter mark in 1:23.3, Southwind Ozzi opened a three-and-a-half length lead through the final turn, three of which he maintained at the winning post. Joesstar Of Mia A narrowly held second over Jacks Legend, who sustained his pursuit after losing cover up the far side.
Bill MacKenzie trains 12-time winner Southwind Ozzi for Vincent Ali Jr. and Alma Iafelice.
In the sub-featured $11,600 pace, Rock The Devil ($3.80) rode the pocket in progress to a 1:49.2 victory—the day's fastest mile—over pacesetter Imarocnrollegend N. Todd McCarthy drove the six-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven gelding for trainer Richard "Nifty" Norman.
Tim Tetrick led all drivers with five wins on the program, winning with Barbados ($3.60, 1:51.3), Rockabilly Charm ($28.60, 1:52.1), Rock The Town ($8.40, 1:51.1), Daddyofemall ($3.20, 1:52.2) and Melanie's Tedy ($6.40, 1:53.1).
Racing returns to Harrah's Philadelphia with a 14-race program on Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 16). Post time is 12:25 p.m. (EDT).
(Harrah's Philadelphia)