Greg Sparling put the pedal to the metal early with Southwind Ricardo, and that tactical approach did the trick as the gelding went gate to wire in Monday’s $1,500 feature pace at Northside Downs.

Southwind Ricardo set sail from Post 1 and powered through fractions of :28.2, :58 and 1:29 before sprinting home in :28.3 to win by two lengths over Gentry Seelster in 1:57.3. Johnnie Jack was third.

Sent off as the 6-5 favourite, the eight-year-old son of Dragon Again-Southwind Rio won for the fourth time this season and for the 43rd time in his career. Co-owner Harold Leblanc trains the career winner of $113,278 for partners Joe Leblanc, William Seymour and Bernie Gillis.

To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Northside Downs.