Rightandjust edges Strong Eagle in John Henry
Rightandjust became a stakes winner Saturday night when he held off a furious bid from 69-1 shot Strong Eagle to capture the $60,000 John Henry by a head at Evangeline Downs.
It was another 1 1/2 lengths back in third to Behemah Star.
The John Henry was scheduled for 1 1/16 miles on turf, but was held on a fast main track. It was for 3-year-olds and up.
Rightandjust ($7) broke sharply and tracked Shippingport through an opening quarter in 24.01 seconds and a half-mile in 47.95. Rightandjust took over after six furlongs in 1:12.28, then fought off Strong Eagle in the later stages. The winner covered the distance in 1:45.49.
Jose Guerrero was aboard Rightandjust for trainer Shane Wilson.
Rightandjust is a son of Awesome Again who was winning his second straight race following a May allowance at Evangeline. He has now won 6 of 16 starts for earnings of $218,301.
Rightandjust races for Wayne T. Davis.