Trooper John holds off Born in a Breeze, wins Journal Handicap

The $50,000 Journal Handicap at Northlands Park on Saturday didn’t unfold as expected for Trooper John, who paid $8.30 for his neck victory over Born in a Breeze.

There was a lot of proven speed in the six-furlong dash for 3-year-olds and up and jockey Rigo Sarmiento figured to have Trooper John sitting in a stalking position while Quick and Silver, Killin Me Smalls and Blue Dancer duked it out early.

However, Quick and Silver didn’t break that sharply and Killin Me Smalls was the one eased into a stalking position. That left Trooper John to chase Blue Dancer through a first quarter-mile in 22.60 seconds. He was on even terms with Blue Dancer after a half-mile in 45.16 seconds, and after disposing of Blue Dancer midstretch he was all-out to hold off the late charge of Born in a Breeze. Killin Me Smalls rallied to finish third.

The final time was 1:10.29.

Trooper John is trained by Tim Rycroft. Before the race Rycroft said the horse to beat was Born in a Breeze, who is trained by his father Tom Rycroft. The $2.00 Rycroft exacta paid $88.20.

I thought Rigo gave him a perfect ride,” Rycroft said. “He’s really a route horse and that makes two sprints in a row. I just hope he doesn’t think he’s a sprinter."

A 4-year-old gelding by Colonel John, Trooper John is owned by Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd.

The Monday holiday card was enhanced when the Pick 5 wasn’t hit Saturday. The carryover is $57,500.