Julius wins Sistema Railway, Group 1, NZ$200,000 at Ellerslie, 1200m.

Broken down in October 2018, lightly-raced comeback kid Julius held out the favourite in game fashion to add win nine (fourth stakes) at just start 16 for the gallant 8YO.

He was quickly into stride to co-lead early before taking the sit, one out in second, approaching the 800m. Maintaining his position a length off the pace from the 600m he then moved up to the leader at the top of the straight.

Taking over at the 300m, jockey Jason Waddell held him together and then when challenged asked the question. To the line he kept going strongly and was able to hold out the challenge of the favourite by a neck for a popular win.

Winter Bride rushed forward to fourth at the 800m and sat back and outside the winner from the 600m. She was third and looking a danger at the top of the straight and challenged from the 300m. She kept up a solid run but was unable to get past, lunging again late for a game second.

A super run from Evalina who was last at the 800m, still back at the 400m then threaded her way up the straight, finishing well for third.

Dawn Patrol  turned in fourth, was blocked, then found room, and finished well for fourth.

Pretty To Sea had a chequered run from well back at the 350m before a fast finish to nab to fifth.