LOS ALAMITOS : Odds Against, on His Own, Wins First Leg of Classic

Odds Against scored his first victory in two months in the $25,000 first leg of the American Pacing Classic at Los Alamitos on Saturday night.

Odds Against and stablemate Artsplace have formed a powerful entry this summer, finishing one-two in two major stakes in the last month for trainer Bob MacIntosh. MacIntosh sent Odds Against and Artsplace in different directions this weekend. Odds Against came to California, while Artsplace will race today in Ontario, Canada.

Odds Against won Saturday’s first leg by 2 1/4 lengths over Kenwood Don. The 5-year-old horse was driven by Bill O’Donnell and paced the mile in 1:52 4/5, the fastest mile at Los Alamitos this summer. It was his eighth victory in 16 starts this year.

Odds Against led wire to wire and paid $3.20, $2.40 and $2.20. Kenwood Don, who was driven by Ed Hensley, paid $3.40 and $2.80, while Clancy, with Terry Kerr in the bike, paid $3.00. Nuclear Siren, El Camino Real, Heavy Tipper, TK’s Skipper and One Bad Boy completed the order of finish.

The series will continue Saturday with the second leg and end Sept. 26 with a $100,000 final, the richest race for older harness horses in California.