Johnson extends advantage

Another day, another double.

For the second time this week, Chris Johnson has rode two winners in a day to extend his lead in the national jockeys’ premiership.

Johnson finished yesterday’s Avondale meeting with two race wins to move to 94 for the season.

A brace of wins at Wednesday’s Riccarton meeting gave him a two win advantage leading into Avondale.

Johnson now holds a three-win advantage over Danielle Johnson.

She also picked up a winner on the Avondale card to advance to 91 wins for the season.

Chris Johnson struck an early blow in the first race of the day aboard Contessa Vanessa ($6.80) to extend his lead to three.

The Graeme and Debbie Rogerson-trained two-year-old filly was a comfortable two and threequarter length winner.

Danielle Johnson pegged a point back when she rode Sacred Guru ($4) to a one and a quarter length victory in race three.

But the South Island Johnson had the last laugh when he won the last on the card by two and three-quarter lengths with outsider Barleaner ($12.20).

The premiership battle will continue over the weekend with both Johnsons having rides in seven of the eight races at Te Rapa today.

Chris Johnson also has a full book of rides at Waimate tomorrow.

The Canterbury jockey’s hectic travel schedule is starting to pay off. The Waimate meeting, at Oamaru, will be his fourth in five days following on from Riccarton, Avondale and Te Rapa.

Matthew Cameron picked up a double in what could be a late run at the premiership. He won on Youvebeenlitup and Viktor Vegas ($3) to move to 81 wins.