Bank on Johnny

Concrete Johnny will be set for the LR Gold Sovereign Stakes after living up to high expectations in the Corporate Golf Day Plate (1100m) in Launceston on January 29.

Concrete Johnny (2g God’s Own – El Milagro by Encosta De Lago) was resuming from a short break and was racing under lights for the first time on a strange track but he handled the task like a seasoned professional.

With leading apprentice Siggy Carr in the saddle, the God’s Own youngster made the most of an inside barrier to lead and then lengthen in the straight to win by over a length from Jonolly Lass.  “I fully expected him to do that,” trainer Terry Evans said.  “Hopefully, it’s the start of some good things for the horse through the carnival.

“If he develops as I expect, then he could be very good later on.”  The Listed Gold Sovereign Stakes is worth $100,000 at will be run on Launceston Cup day on February 26.

Concrete Johnny is a younger brother to Inner Warrior who has won the Tasmanian Sires’ Produce Stakes and LR Tasmanian Guineas.  “We’ve always known he has plenty of natural ability,” Evans added.  “The first time I put him under pressure, he beat Inner Warrior in a gallop.  They are a pleasure to have in the stable.”

Both gallopers are by Greta West Stud stallion God’s Own.