The jockey dubbed ‘‘The Magic Man’’ produced tactics that would be considered daring if produced by most other riders when letting his John and Karen Parsons-trained charge lead by five lengths in the middle stages of the 2030m feature.
But because it was Johnson free-wheeling out in front there was a sense among onlookers in the birdcage another of his magic rides was taking place.
That proved the case when Johnson’s judgement resulted in a margin of more than four lengths between his mount and the runner-up at the finish.
Though the star jockey thought he might be in front shortly after the start, he had no plans to lead and set such a strong pace.
"Talking to John earlier in the week, we thought we might get a bit of cover," Johnson said.
"But the more we looked at the race we thought there wasn’t going to be much pace and he might be in front.
"When we went down the back straight, the horse got a bit stirred up by the wind and that was why he wanted to go a bit quicker."
Johnson let Camino Rocoso, by Shocking, roll down the back straight, but still kept a grip on the gelding while perfectly judging how much rein to give him.
They led by five lengths on the home turn, which the rider hoped was enough of a winning break.
"He was still going pretty well on the turn, but I was just hoping nothing was going to come down the outside and get him."
Johnson sported a big smile when returning to the birdcage.
It suggested the win meant more to him than many of the dozens of others he has racked up at South Island meetings recently.
"I quite like the horse. He can run a bit. He had a pretty good record before he came down from the North Island," Johnson said.
"We get on pretty good."
Johnson and Camino Rocoso have strengthened their bond during beach workouts when the rider has been working at the Parsons’ Balcairn stable.
The trainers had more to celebrate when they scored the race quinella yesterday.
Sitarist did the best of Camino Rocoso’s rivals to run into second for another of their stable riders, Tina Comignaghi.
Pamir and Kylie Williams were a long neck behind them in third placing in the $35,000 feature.
Emerging stars of the saddle showed off their skills on the same day the 55-year-old Johnson produced his Cromwell Cup magic.
Canterbury apprentice Kozzi Asano continued his fine form after notching his first listed win on Saturday in the Wanganui Cup with Sentimental Miss.
Asano won the opening with Rumour Has it for his boss, trainer Andrew Carston.
The jockey also won race 3 with Rosso Cavalla for South Canterbury trainers Terrill Charles and Peter Corbett.
Asano and Carston combined again to finish the Cromwell Cup with a win with Sharp ‘N’ Silver in race 9.
