Gotcha; Emerging star Our Hi Jinx sprinted brilliantly to win the Gr.2 $50,000 Be Good Johnny Sprint at Albion Park. Photo by Dan Costello (The Racing Wrap)
The locals drew first blood in the 2015 Queensland spring carnival at Albion Park.
Our Hi Jinx, prepared by Chambers Flat horseman Ian Gurney, sprinted brilliantly via the passing lane to claim victory in the Gr.2 $50,000 Be Good Johnny Sprint defeating stablemate Mach Alert and Majestic Major in a time of 1;52.6 for the 1660m event.
The time was 0.1 of a second outside of the race record which is held by millionaire pacer Washakie who set the mark when successful in 2011.
Driven by Adam Sanderson, Our Hi Jinx ($3.50) sat perfectly behind race favourite Majestic Major ($2.10) before sprinting clear over the concluding stages to win comfortably from Mach Alert ($54.70) who charged through late to snatch second from the weakening Majestic Major.
“It panned out perfectly, that’s the run I thought he would get and he just thrived on that solid speed and sprinted really well once clear. He’s still on the up this horse and I think he’ll continue to do a good job.” Gurney said.
Reigning Queensland Horse of the Year Avonnova, also prepared by Gurney, finished at the rear of the field.
Majestic Major found the lead comfortably and posted the opening quarter in 27.6 seconds while New South Wales raiders Shannonsablast and Bling It On raced handy on the outside.
The half was reached in 57 seconds after a second quarter split of 29.4 seconds.
Heading down the back straight, Majestic Major continued to dictate terms in front while Our Hi Jinx sat poised behind him while moves from back in the field didn’t come and the third quarter was a controlled 28.7 seconds.
In the straight, Majestic Major was challenged by Shannonsablast and Bling It On while Our Hi Jinx gathered top speed on the inside.
Our Hi Jinx scored comfortably at the finish by 3.75m with a half head separating second and third.
“After the draw, he was clearly my top chance and he delivered. I was thrilled with the way Mach found the line and he’s only going to improve while Nova had little or no chance from his draw,”
“I expect all three to race extremely well again next week in the Gold Coast Cup and then the QPC. I’m very happy with all of them.”
Our Hi Jinx, a six-year-old Christian Cullen – Treasured Possession gelding is raced by Gurney, Paul Montgomery and the Fleur De Lil Trust.
Next week, the Gr.1 $100,000 Hurrikane Kingcole Gold Coast Cup over 2138m will be the feature while the Grand Circuit opener, the Gr.1 $200,000 Queensland Pacing Championship will be staged on October 24.