Chelmsford winner Justice First pictured on Tuesday.
Just shy of twelve months on from registering his first career success, Justice First doubled his tally of victories at Chelmsford yesterday evening, swooping late under an excellent tactical ride by George Baker to collar the Phil McEntee-trained Gentlemen in the shadow of the post.
The cameraman zoomed in on the inside rail a furlong out and it appeared for all money that the runner-up, who was given an equally astute, ground-saving ride by Josephine Gordon, had done enough to land the spoils. But Justice First showed great tenacity to come from last to first, making his challenge on the outside to eventually prevail by a short-head.
This was not an unexpected victory for Justice First, who returned to form at Lingfield last month when succumbing only to a well-handicapped rival having met trouble on the home turn.
And while the suitability of Chelmsford was an unknown on his first visit to the course, the quickening of the surface in recent months has seen an increasing number of winners come from off the pace. That trend suited this horse, who found himself in super rhythm at the rear of the field having been dropped out by Baker from his good draw.
We will now await the judgement of the handicapper before making further plans, but the form looks to have some credence, this being a competitive handicap in which they bet 3-1 the field. The front two also pulled nicely clear of the favourite in third, who was 2lb well-in on recent performances and had been backed steadily all day for an in-form yard.
Given how well this horse relaxes in his races now, he looks more than likely to get a mile despite his pedigree casting doubt on that assertion. As such, more options will be open to him in the New Year, but it might be prudent to return to Chelmsford given how well he handled the track.
We are also keen to support the venue given the sustained efforts they are making with prize money across the entire spectrum of race quality.£12,500 added for a three-year-old and upwards class four handicap is particularly enticing, especially when the travelling costs are so minimal from Newmarket as well.
Congratulations to Justice First’s owner, Mr Ng, and we are delighted to welcome the festive season in with a winner!