by Darrell Wood, publicity director, Colonial Downs

New Kent, VA — Hi Im Johnny Kash scored a come from behind victory in the $8,000 final leg of the U Gotta Win One Now Pacing Series on Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 29) in the rain at Colonial Downs.

Coady Photography

Hi Im Johnny Kash was a winner in the U Gotta Win One Now Pacing Series.

Hi Im Johnny Kash earned a first leg win at the three-quarter-mile distance then finished a disappointing fourth at the mile distance last week. In Wednesday’s finale, contested at 1-1/4 miles, the 8-year-old Mark Jonathan gelding thrived, especially in the stretch when he surged past Megan Fortna’s front stepping stablemates en route to a 2-1/2 length win.

Fortna’s pair had a tremendous first two legs, connecting for three wins and a tight runner-up finish. Salaha N was perfect, while Gaje won the miler but lost by a neck in the shortened first leg.

Sent off heavily favored, Salalah N picked up the pace after the first quarter, and led from that point through the mile, hitting that marker in 1:59. Driver Chris Page, who gave Hi Im Johnny Kash a pocket journey, came outside in mid-stretch and cruised past the duo to win in 2:28 for owner/trainer Charlie Dunavant. Gaje held on for second and Just Believe In Me came on strong to take third.

Colonial Downs is dark Thursday and Friday. Racing resumes Saturday (Oct. 2) when a 10-race card goes to post at 5 p.m.