Bailey subs in, gets it done

Harness racing driver Kevin Bailey replaced Thunder Alley (Mystery Chase)’s regular partner John Kennedy, who sustained an injury earlier on the card, and guided the gelding to his sixth win of the season in the Winners-Over on Saturday (Jul. 6) at Northside Downs.

Thunder Alley, aiming to break a three-race losing streak after five straight wins to start the year, enjoyed a pocket ride through :29.4 and 1:01.3 opening splits. Bailey pulled him out as the field entered the third turn and urged him to the front before three-quarters in 1:31.3. Thunder Alley then produced an electric finish, storming five-and-a-half lengths clear to win in 2:01.3 on the rain-soaked surface. Daddys Eyes (Adam Lynk) and Kiss Me Im Irish (Mark Pezzarello) were second and third, respectively.

THUNDER ALLEY REPLAY

The victory was Thunder Alley’s 30th lifetime in 149 career outings. It was the first time he was driven by someone other than Kennedy since August 2023. Heather Hawkins trains the eight-year-old, who now has $89,386 in career earnings, for Terri Morrison of Marion Bridge, Irwin Claener of New Waterford, Kirk Macrae of Ben Eoin, and Angus Maceachern of Howie Centre.

Kennedy’s day was ended two races earlier in an accident in which he and Joseph Poirer were both unseated. All horses and drivers were reportedly okay, but Kennedy booked off his remaining drives.

Also on the card, Jeremy Baker recorded his first career driving win in his third attempt. He took Bailey trainee Behavenmyself (Badlands Hanover) wire-to-wire to win in 2:05.3, the mare’s first tally of the season. Baker, a resident of Blackrock, N.S., debuted two weeks back in a fourth-place finish behind Julian I Am. The rookie reinsman has also racked up 14 wins in 56 starts as a trainer in the previous two years.

BEHAVENMYSELF/JEREMY BAKER REPLAY

Bailey was the day’s top driver with three wins in the card’s nine completed races.

Northside Downs will continue its regular schedule on Saturday, Jul. 13.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink