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Oya Stan The Man, Mac's Gossie wrap Derby Lane stakes schedule

 
Published July 2, 2016

ST. PETERSBURG — Oya Stan The Man and Mac's Gossie starred in the $40,000 St. Petersburg Derby 660-yard series that closed out the Derby Lane 2015-16 stakes program June 25.

Both had Aussie power.

Oya Stan The Man, of D'Arcy kennel, won his first stakes in the $30,000 Derby. Mac's Gossie, of Alabama Racing kennel, became the only Derby Lane dog to win two stakes during the track's 91st season in the $10,000 Consolation Derby.

The greyhounds are sired by Defrim Bale, an Australian-bred stud dog who stands with Michael Strickland of Abilene, Kan. The 7-year-old greyhound produced three of the eight Derby finalists, including D'Arcy's O Ya Cruiser Max, the $80,000 Distance Classic winner, who finished fifth; and Abernathy kennel's O Ya Hi Speed, who was seventh. "(Defrim Bale) has got a fantastic (Derby Lane) record," kennel owner-trainer Mick D'Arcy said. "He won (the Derby), the Consolation (Derby) and the Distance Classic (April 9), and they're all from three different females. The dog is doing something right."

Oya Stan The Man, the 4-5 favorite, overcame a four-length deficit to defeat 17-1 shot Barts Girl of Bartley Corp. kennel by two lengths in 37.20 seconds. He earned $13,000. It was D'Arcy's first Derby winner since Greys Touch Gold in 2008. Oya Stan The Man, owned by Gary Reicherts of Osage, Iowa, also wrapped up D'Arcy's first top dog crown as a St. Petersburg kennel owner with his 19th victory from 34 starts, three more than Floyd kennel runners Tr's Flapjack and $64,000 Sprint Classic winner Lego Andrew.

Mac's Gossie, the 4-5 wagering choice in the Consolation, blistered the seven-dog field with a seven-length win in 37.22 seconds. First place paid $4,400. Mac's Gossie is trained by Alex Barlee for owner Patrick McMillon of Alum Creek, W.Va. She gave kennel owner Patty Byers her first Derby Lane stakes title Jan. 18 in the $10,000 Matinee Idol. "(Mac's Gossie) has a lot of class," Byers said. "She's a very nice dog, and she's just very hard-trying."

MORE DOGS: The January-to-June meet concluded Thursday with Burk Greyhounds becoming the first in recent history to win a third straight kennel title, with 286 wins in 205 performances, 35 ahead of Lashmet. … Best times were clocked by Lego Andrew at 550 yards in 30.06 seconds and D'Arcy's Chatswood at 660 in 36.80. … Racing secretary Les Robison said two operations were added for the meet now under way. Tri-State kennel, owned by Lonnie Boyle, replaces Connell, whose owner, Rodney (Rod) Connell, died May 30. The Burk family received a second booking, with kennel owner Donald Burk Jr. starting ABC Racing. Wife Joy is the trainer, with son Alek assisting. Burk Greyhounds will be directed by Donald's son Garrett.