Barry Bates and Blacky Black were looking to record their third consecutive victory in Northside Downs’ winners-over pace on Monday (Oct. 14). The pair was bet down to the odds-on choice in the program’s $1,400 featured dash, as they were sent postward with the full support of the wagering public.
It’s not known whether Bates and ‘Blacky’ were looking to say ‘thanks’ for the support on the holiday Monday, but the pair did their best to show they were grateful for the backing.
Blacky Black, pictured mugging for the camera on Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 while cruising to his third consecutive victory at Northside Downs.
Blacky Black lined up in Post 1 for the afternoon’s featured contest, which had been slotted as Race 7 on the eight-dash docket.
Bates left well with his pupil, a son of The Panderosa. They had scooted off the gate and out to a two-length advantage by the time they paced by the quarter pole in :29.
The five-year-old had it his way on the engine through the middle half of the contest, as Blacky Black clicked off the opening half in :59.2 and made his way down to the three-quarters marker in 1:29.2.
The black gelding was forced to rebuff a bid from the pocket rider in the final quarter, as the Gerard Kennedy-driven Spider Man Hanover had swung into action in the late going. ‘Spider Man’ was ultimately unable to swoop past Blacky Black, who closed out his 1:59.1 win via a :29.4 final quarter.
Spider Man Hanover finished second and was beaten by two lengths. The Kevin Bailey-driven Dusty Lane Royal, who had charged first up from the backfield in the middle half, rounded out the top three (he was elevated to third by the presiding judges after having initially finished fourth).
Blacky Black, who is owned by Bates, of New Waterford, NS, has now won three consecutive races and five of his last six pari-mutuel starts (his only loss during the span was by a neck).
To view the harness racing results for Monday at Northside, click the following link: Monday Results – Northside Downs.