Chestnut Johnny prevails in Remington Park Turf Sprint

Chestnut Johnny tracked a hot pace and went on to win in quick time in Friday night’s $50,000 Remington Park Turf Sprint, covering five furlongs on firm ground in 55.35 seconds. Chestnut Johnny won by a half-length over Drowningndiamonds, while it was another 2 3/4 lengths back to Okie Jazz in third.

The Remington Park Turf Sprint was the first stakes of the meet and was for 3-year-olds and up bred in Oklahoma.

Chestnut Johnny ($7.60) broke well from post 11 and secured position off pacesetter Perfect Majestic, who took the field through a rapid opening quarter in 21.10 seconds. Chestnut Johnny overtook that rival through a half-mile in 43.69 and proved a half-length best. Alex Birzer was aboard the winner for Al and Bill Ulwelling and trainer Michael Biehler.

Mr. N, who was favored, rallied for fourth, a neck behind Okie Jazz.

Chestnut Johnny was winning the first stakes race of his career and earned $29,643. He has won six of 16 starts for earnings of $148,430. Chestnut Johnny is a 4-year-old son of Mr. Nightlinger and was bred by Terri Carter. He came into the Remington Park Turf Sprint off a third-place finish in an optional $25,000 claiming race at about five-eighths on the grass Aug. 5 at Canterbury Park, a race that has now produced three next-out winners.

Racing resumes Saturday night at Remington.