Julius wins J Swap Contractors Sprint, Group 3, NZ$70,000 at Te Rapa, 1400m.

Lightly raced 8YO Julius, at start 15 and carrying top weight, returned to winning form with a well timed run for his eighth win (third Group 3) here.

He was first into stride but slotted into fourth, one out, soon after the start. Closer from the 600m and turning in he sat three wide a length back of the leader.

Rider Jason Waddell gave him plenty of time to balance, asked the question at the 200m and he ranged alongside the leaders at the 100m from where his momentum carried him to the line by a half length.

Donna Anne Billy took over the pace before leaving the back straight to be clear by three lengths at the 800m, steadied before rounding into the home straight and still had a length lead at the 250m.

Caught inside the 100m, she then fought on well for second. Tinkalicious was three lengths second at the 800m, closed to challenge from the top of the straight then kept on solidly for third without looking a winner.

Watch This Space finished quite well when clear from the 250m for fourth.