Southwind Ozzi rebounds in 1:51

Chester, PA — After being outmatched by the likes of Filibuster Hanover at Pocono, Southwind Ozzi ($4.80) returned to the site of his only prior harness racing 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 4-year-old Somebeachsomewhere entire landed in midfield in the early stages while Joesstar Of Mia A (Simon Allard) strode clear to control soft early fractions of :28 and :57.2. Before the midway stage, 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 used a :25.4 individually-timed third quarter to seize command. After hitting the three-quarter mark in 1:23.3, Southwind Ozzi opened up a 3-1/2 length lead through the final turn, three of which he maintained at the winning post. Joesstar Of Mia A narrowly held second over Jack's Legend (Pat Berry), 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 en route to a 1:49.2 victory — the day's fastest mile — over pacesetter Imarocnrollegend N. Todd McCarthy drove the 6-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.

 

 

by James Witherite, Harrah's Philadelphia