In a near carbon copy of his August 28 win, Southwind Ricardo ($4.40) rode the pocket en route to a 1:57.4 score in Northside Downs' Saturday (Sept. 4) feature — and his victory in the $1,500 winners-over pace was his third in a row.
The eight-year-old Dragon Again gelding secured the pocket from post two, and drafted in the clear behind pacesetter Hotlikewasabi through a :58 first half. Southwind Ricardo found himself boxed up the backstretch as Dan Dar Mal headed a first-over push to three-quarters in 1:28.3, but he found the requisite racing room to take aim at Hotlikewasabi off the home turn. Off the corner, Harold LeBlanc Jr. angled Southwind Ricardo off the pegs, and urged him to stick a head in front of Hotlikewasabi on the line. Gentry Seelster finished a ground-saving third.
Trainer Harold LeBlanc owns 45-time winner Southwind Ricardo with Joel LeBlanc, William Seymour and Bernie Gillis.
To view Saturday's complete results, click the following link: Saturday Results – Northside Downs.