Sophomore pacer Johnnie Jack continues to find the confines of Northside Downs to his liking, adding to his solid record over the Cape Breton oval with a strong victory in the track's top class on Saturday (Sept. 12).
A field of six went postward in the $1,500 feature, with Johnnie Jack the even money choice. Driver Ryan Campbell settled the three-year-old into fourth early as Brother John (Randy Getto) fronted the field through a :28 first quarter and :58.4 half.
Campbell was on the move with Johnnie Jack through that second stanza and made the lead with relative ease heading down the backside. Second choice Runaway Mystery (Harold Leblanc) was following that cover but was unable to keep up with the first-over attacker. Johnnie Jack hit the third station in 1:26.4, opening up a quick three lengths on his foes. Runaway Mystery started to gain ground and made a late rally but it was too little and too late. Johnnie Jack was three parts of a length the best, earning a new mark of 1:57 in the process. Brother John stayed for third.
Owned and trained by Travis Campbell of Gardiner Mines, N.S., Johnnie Jack (Westwardho Hanover - Water Sprite) picked up his seventh win of the season in 13 tries. Earning a cheque in each of his sophomore starts, Johnnie Jack's record this season at Northside Downs is 7-2-0-1 in 10 appearances.
For the full charted results from Northside's Saturday card, click the following link: Saturday Results - Northside Downs.