Southwind Ricardo ($16.30) steadily ground down Thunder Alley for a 1:58 score — his third straight — in Saturday's (July 31) $1,500 winners-over pacing feature at Northside Downs.
Brett LeBlanc settled the eight-year-old Dragon Again gelding well off Thunder Alley's :28.3 first-quarter sprint, third and eight lengths off the lead. They inched closer through the far turn and had closed the gap at the end of a :58 half before beginning their first-over ascent on the second circuit.
As Thunder Alley edged clear by 2-1/4 lengths at the 1:27.4 three-quarter clocking, Southwind Ricardo had ground up into second over Hotlikewasabi. Off the home turn, Southwind Ricardo found another gear and reeled in Thunder Alley by a half length. Hotlikewasabi finished third, only beaten by a length.
Trainer Harold LeBlanc co-owns 42-time winner Southwind Ricardo with Joel LeBlanc and Bernie Gillis.
To view Saturday's complete results, click the following link: Saturday Results – Northside Downs.