The last time veteran pacer Euchred raced at Northside Downs, he was a winner by some 10 lengths against the top horses on the grounds. He returned to North Sydney on Saturday (Sept. 26) and once again laid the smack down on his rivals to firmly establish himself as the Alpha Male of Cape Breton.
Facing four stout rivals in the $1,600 Winners Over Pace, including sophomore Johnnie Jack and local kingpin Runaway Mystery, Euchred crossed over sharply from his post five starting spot for driver Mark Pezzarello and that was the closest his foes would get. Up by more than seven lengths at a :28.1 first quarter, the margin between Euchred and the next best would only increase through a :57 half and 1:25.2 third station. With a 20-length lead for the final quarter, Euchred shifted down a gear and coasted home in :30 to trip the timer 17 lengths the best in 1:55.2. Johnnie Jack (Greg Sparling) and Runaway Mystery (Harold Leblanc, Jr) were the best of the rest.
Trained by Walter Walker for Kayla Habicht Walker of Inverness, N.S., eight-year-old Euchred (Shadow Play - Tipsy Taters) picked up the 10th win of the season in 18 starts to lift his lifetime win total to 62 and earnings over the $142,000 plateau.
To view the results from the Saturday card of harness racing at Northside, click the following link: Saturday Results - Northside Downs.