Last son of John Street North impresses

Talented young John Street North pacer Chappy Streetnorth made a welcomed return to the winners’ circle at Newcastle harness racing track on Monday (Aug. 1).

The three-year-old was returning from an eight month break for his owner, trainer Mitch Chapple and the last born son of his ill-fated sire sounded out an ominous warning to rivals that he has not lost the class that he showed from his debut by recording a dominant nine metre victory, rating of 1:56.1 in the process.

“He went super,” said a relieved Chapple.

“I did expect him to perform well as his trackwork had been strong, but it was his first run after a long break, so I did have some reservations. He certainly dismissed any of those concerns and I can now plan towards chasing better races.

“I have had a big opinion of this bloke from when I first broke him in but I was left scratching my head after he went off the boil last season so I just pulled the pin on his racing, confident that he would return to his best once freshened.”

Chappy Street North will now be aimed at next month’s NSW Breeders Challenge.

The gelding was touted as being the one to beat in the two-year-old edition of the series but things did not go his way.

CHAPPY STREETNORTH REPLAY

“He just did not aim up last year. Hopefully following a decent spell and time to mature he is ready to perform better this time around,” said Chapple.

Chapple’s father Guy is back in the sulky after battling illness which sidelined for much of the last season which Mitch believes will make a difference to their team’s performance.

“It has been great to have the old fella back doing what he loves. He knows the horses so well and they always run for him,” said Chapple.

“Dad has been through a tough time with his health and deserves a change of luck.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW