by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal Expo Harness

Sacramento, CA — James Kennedy had never driven the 4-year-old trotter Inside Broadway prior to opening night here at Cal Expo, but in the ensuing three weeks they have formed a solid partnership that resulted in a win at the head of the class last weekend.

Inside Broadway, who is owned, trained and was bred by Bob Johnson, checked in fourth in his first start at this stand after making an extended first-over move at the half, then was hard-used early in his next appearance and garnered the show money. In last week’s tour, the trotter flexed his muscles with Kennedy’s guidance and motored away to an impressive 2-1/2 length score.

“Bob really didn’t give me any instructions for that first start,” Kennedy related when asked about the Oct. 5 outing. “I came first-over with him out of last, he gave it a good try to deep stretch and then I got the impression he was a little short.

“I played it by ear for the second start and decided to leave with him. He had to be used pretty hard in that opening quarter and I was happy with the effort. It set him up nicely for last time.”

Sent off at 9-2 from the No. 5 post for his most recent appearance, Inside Broadway was able to take a three-hole tuck around the first turn while tracking Running Aces invader Rich Dessert. He was out to engage the leader turning for home, took a clear advantage soon after straightening for home and left little doubt in a powerful mile.

“I thought it would be in our best interest to leave strong and make the top, at least for a little while,” Kennedy noted. “That didn’t happen, but fortunately I was able to duck in and drop in third. He felt really strong when I pulled him and he made the lead into the stretch. To be honest, I was surprised he won that easily. Surprised, but very happy.”

Will James Kennedy be pleasantly surprised again? We’ll find out after Saturday night’s second race where Inside Broadway leaves from the No. 4 slot in the field of six. Hoping to spoil a curtain call are Axle and Franks Best to this outside and Alpine Hawk, Rich Dessert and Sharpshootennorris to his inside.