Milford's Z Tam cops exciting Open Trot

DAYTON, OH. – Milford's Z Tam surged in deep stretch to capture his first harness racing $18,500 Open Handicap Trot at Hollywood Dayton Raceway on Thursday night (Dec. 7).

Driver Dan Noble floated out from the 8-hole behind the starting car, settling third over in the outer flow when the :28.4 opening split was posted by Jesse's Promise (Kayne Kauffman), with Cantab Lindy (Tyler Smith) and Another Breath (Randy Tharps) in hot pursuit.

Another Breath moved first-up prior to the :57.4 halfway point with Impressive Chief (Josh Sutton) right on his back. When Another Breath nudged ahead nearing the three-quarter pole, clocked in 1:26, Impressive Chief swung a lane further out to challenge while favored Gloire Dream (Trace Tetrick) was forced wider yet to make his bid for victory.

A four-wide stretch duel ensued with Milford's Z Tam finding the quickest closing step between horses for the 9-1 upset triumph in 1:55.2, despite a 24 degree temperature. The photo finish camera couldn't separate Another Breath and Gloire Dream, who dead-heated for place; while Impressive Chief was a close-up fourth.

Z Tam Stables LLC owns the winner, a 4-year-old black gelded son of Swan For All. It was the 11th career win for Milford's Z Tam and boosted his lifetime bounty to $231,724. Jim Arledge Jr. is his trainer.

Gregg Keidel