He hasn't been perfect in 2020, but Runaway Mystery was coming into Saturday's feature at Northside Downs with back-to-back losses for the first time year. The veteran wasn't about to let that winless streak hit three in a row.
A full field of seven was assembled for the $1,500 Winners Over feature at Northside Downs on Saturday, and the public choice was unsurprisingly Runaway Mystery. Leaving from post two for trainer and co-owner Harold LeBlanc, Runaway Mystery made the lead heading to the opening quarter with second choice Accelerator (Greg Sparling) on his back. After a :29.1 first quarter, Runaway Mystery faced a midway point challenge in the form of sophomore filly Kiss Me Im Irish (Mark Pezzarello) at the 1:00 half.
Kiss Me Im Irish wasn't impressed by the top class heavyweight and looked to get a nose in front as the first two hit the third quarter in 1:30. The separation of the front pair allowed Accelerator to slide off the rail and prepare for a three-path bid turning for home. As the field hit the head of the stretch, Runaway Mystery showed his mettle and pulled away through a :29.3 final panel to hit the wire more than a length the best in 1:59.3. Kiss Me Im Irish held off Accelerator for place.
Leblanc trains and co-owns six-year-old Runaway Mystery (Mister Big - Phoenix Arcane) along with Gus Burns of New Waterford, N.S. In 10 seasonal starts, Runaway Mystery sports a solid 7-2-1 summary to lift his lifetime earnings over the $47,000 mark.
To view the results from Saturday's card at Northside, click the following link: Saturday Results - Northside Downs.