All eyes were on race favourite Johnnie Jack in Monday’s featured event for pacers at Northside Downs, but Southwind Ricardo used his rallying skills to perfection en route to posting the mild upset in the main event.
In rein to Shawn Lynk, Southwind Ricardo got away fourth in the five-horse affair while even-money favourite Johnnie Jack fired to the front and chopped out an opening quarter clocked in :29. Runaway Mystery applied first-over pressure on the leader, and they went stride for stride to the half in :59.1.
Johnnie Jack showed a short lead at the trail while passing the three-quarter pole in 1:28, but the battling eventually took its toll on the pacesetter. Southwind Ricardo used a :29.4 closing quarter to propel himself to the win by one-quarter of a length over Johnnie Jack in 1:58.1. Sweet City Girl swept from last to finish third.
Trainer Harold LeBlanc shares ownership on the seven-year-old son of Dragon Again-Southwind Rio with Joel LeBlanc, William Seymour and Bernie Gillis. The partners have watched the gelding assemble a 5-1-3 record from 18 trips to the track this season. The 35-time winner has banked over $100,000 to date.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Northside Downs.