THOSE who paid attention to our previous articles about Corey Johnson will be dancing with joy tonight.
A couple of months ago www.nationaltrotguide.com.au published a piece highlighting the South Australian youngster’s ability to win with long shots.
A graduate of the pony trot circuit, 17-year-old Johnson has been successful with the likes of Alemeria, which paid $68.70 on the Tote, and Emerging Art which upstage his more fancied rivals at $51.10!
Another of Johnson’s winners – The Octagon – paid a lazy $66.60, while the young gun regularly upsets the favourites by scoring with runners on the fourth and fifth line of betting.
One such example is Bella Sofia, which was on the fourth line of betting when she led throughout at Globe Derby this afternoon.
Bella Sofia was the middle leg of a treble for Johnson, who was triumphant with Yankee Clipper earlier on the card.
As you can guess, Yankee Clipper beat the favourite.
“Yankee and Bella have been going well and today was their day,” Johnson said. “Yankee was runner-up at his last start and Bella ran a good third, so the writing was on the wall.”
It was the final part of Johnson’s treble which would have pleased his followers.
Having just his sixth start from an 18-month break, Aquaflight led throughout to end a 27-month absence from the winners’ circle.
With Johnson producing a faultless drive, the gelding rated 1:57 over 1800 metres as Hochygreg and odds-on favourite Illusionation filled the placings.
Trained by Lui Trotta, Aquaflight paid a whopping $142.10 on the Tote.
As one participant noted “if you put just a dollar on every one of Corey’s drives you’d be well in front.”
“Aquaflight was certainly a surprise,” Johnson said. “He felt strong all the way and got to the line really well.
“I’d never driven a double before so to end the day with my first treble is pretty amazing.
“It’s a day I will never forget.”
- PAUL COURTS
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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