Odd man out

TALENTED young reinsman Corey Johnson was the odd man out at Globe Derby yesterday.

With some of South Australia’s leading ladies dominating the meeting, Johnson was the only ‘bloke’ to make his way into the winners’ circle.

Seven races were conducted throughout the afternoon, with Johnson heading home with a double and the balance won by ‘the girls’.

“Geez, when you put it that way you make me feel bad,” Johnson said. “If anything, I’m lucky to have been able to beat the women.

“We don’t have the big races and the opportunities here as they do in say Victoria and New South Wales, but the horsewomen in South Australia are second to none.”

Johnson opened his account when Tidal Surge broke his recent bridesmaid status.

Runner-up during his last three starts, Tidal Surge enjoyed the ideal trail behind Captain Thunderbolt before finishing along the sprint line to score by two-and-a-half metres from the pacemaker and Lets Go There, which dead-heated for second.

“It was great to finally see him break through for a win,” Johnson said. “He’s found one better at his last three starts and has been busting to win.

“Dad (Lane) has been trained him for about 20 starts and he’s been so consistent with eight placings and a fourth in the mix.”

Johnson then combined with leading trainer Shane Loone to register an upset with White Star Peejay.

Paying $18 on the Tote, White Star Peejay worked to the lead from barrier seven before completing a two-metre win from Royal Cadence.

Mariahs Shadow was a metre-and-a-half away third in 2:00.9 over 1800 metres.

“That was my first drive behind him and he felt strong all the way,” Johnson said. “His form shows he is also pretty consistent and it was just a matter of time before he got the right run.”