TALENTED three-year-old Concrete Johnny made it two wins in succession this preparation when he led throughout to win the opening race on the nine-event card at Devonport yesterday.
Concrete Johnny (God’s Own-El Milagro) began brilliantly and had no trouble finding the lead from Beryl Bee with the one that was expected to led by most pundits, Song of Joy, trailing in third spot.
The gelding travelled well to the home-turn and when jockey David Pires allowed Concrete Johnny more rein he sped clear and went on to score by over four lengths.
Beryl Bee stuck on gamely for second with Sister Quest doing her best work at the business end of the race to finish third.
The race favourite Osborne ($2.40) was scratched at the barrier when he was found to have blood coming from one nostril that trainer Bill Ryan explained was a result of a burst blood vessel and was nothing serious..
Concrete Johnny resumed from a spell with a similar win in Hobart on July 13 but this latest effort was even more impressive as it was his first look at the synthetic surface (Tapeta) and he was second-up.
“I could not be happier with how this horse has come back this time in,” Evans said.
“He showed us a great deal last season but I think he has matured into a very good horse and he can only improve on what he’s shown us so far,” he said.
Evans said Concrete Johnny is likely to be aimed at the 3YO Cup (1200m) in Launceston in November but confirmed he would be unlikely to progress to the Tasmanian Guineas over 1600m.
“I think at this stage we will look at the sprint races with him and detour the Guineas but we will have a look at how he is going at the time. You can never say never in this game,” he said.
Concrete Johnny has started seven times for three wins and as many minor placings for $31,000 in stakes.