Back-to-back: Our Hi Jinx has claimed both the Lord Mayors Cup and the Be Good Johnny Sprint at Albion Park in consecutive weeks Photo by Dan Costello
Two down, two to go.
That’s the situation unfolding for Chambers Flat horseman Ian Gurney following his triumph in the Gr.3 $30,540 AQWA Constructions Be Good Johnny Sprint at Albion Park last night (Saturday).
The sprint feature, named in honour of the Queensland speed machine and dual Miracle Mile champion for trainer John McCarthy, was won by Our Hi Jinx ($6.50) who defeated Glenferrie Hood ($12.80) and Aztec Bromac ($10.20) in a time of 1:51.3 – the second fastest time ever recorded at the Breakfast Creek oval.
Champion pacer Im Themightyquinn is the only horse to record a sub 1:51 mile at Albion Park, pacing 1:50.4 when successful in the 2014 Sunshine Sprint.
Our Hi Jinx, again handled by teenage reinsman Leonard Cain, proved triumphant a week earlier when victorious in the $20,540 Lord Mayors Cup before backing up to claim the sprint feature.
“He’s just in the zone right now; he’s happy and healthy and that shows with the way he is racing right now. It’s no shock to me because I know how good this horse is when he’s on song and I’m just thankful I’ve got him in a good state right now.” Gurney said.
It’s the second time Our Hi Jinx has won the Be Good Johnny Sprint after scoring back in 2015, the vanquished that night included the likes of Mach Alert, Majestic Major, Bling It On, Forever Gold and Avonnova among others.
The Christian Cullen gelding then went on to score in the Grand Circuit event, the Gr.1 $200,000 Queensland Pacing Championship when handled by Greg Sugars.
Since then, Gurney has battled to keep his star pacer in perfect shape but he’s currently winning the battle.
“He’s always had speed, that real high speed and it was just a matter of getting him happy and healthy again. He’s been really good this campaign and there’s been genuine excuses when he hasn’t featured in the money.
“He’s not the easiest horse to drive and that speaks volumes for the way Leonard has handled him, he’s patient with him and doesn’t panic. I think Leonard drives beyond his years; he doesn’t get flustered and works with the horse rather than fighting him.
“Not many kids get the opportunity like Leonard has got in these types of races but he’s making hay while the sun shines and good on him. He’s driving with good composure and confidence right now.”
As it stands, only the $20,540 AQWA Constructions Christmas Cup followed by the Gr.2 $60,540 Egmont Park Stud Queensland Cup remain for the Racing Queensland summer carnival.
And Gurney is hoping to make a clean sweep of the open class features.
Our Hi Jinx will back-up again this weekend and will be joined by stable star Avonnova who missed last week’s Be Good Johnny Sprint.
“I will start both Jinxy and Nova this week and more than likely; both will be starting the following week too.
“I didn’t intend on starting Nova in all of the races, it’s just too much to go week after week for four weeks straight. He’ll be ready for the Christmas Cup and then the Queensland Cup over the longer trips.”
The Christmas Cup will be run over 2680m while the Queensland Cup will be staged at 2138m.
