3 minute read

Julius confirmed his status as one of the state’s most promising sprinters when he fought back to win a hot benchmark 76 handicap over 1100 metres in Hobart last Sunday.

In Brief

• Julius ends prep with brilliant win.
• Newmarket start is now a reality.
• Time for War gelding to have short spell.

The Barry Campbell-trained six-year-old looked sure to be overhauled by talented mare Thunberg as she moved alongside the leader and momentarily poked her head in front carrying seven kilograms less than the $2.70 favourite.

But Julius, that lugged top weight of 60kg, refused to wilt and fought back under strong riding from Anthony Darmanin to win by a long neck.

Campbell believes Julius to be a genuine Newmarket contender, but he was of the opinion the gelding would need a rating of 80 plus to make it into the state's most prestigious sprint and, after last Sunday's win, the goal was realised with the handicapper dishing out four points for the win to take the gelding's rating to 81.

At the start of the campaign Julius had a rating of 67 but four wins and a gallant second to Music Addition from his last five starts has confirmed the Time for War gelding as a potential star sprinter.

Campbell was delighted with the win and suggested the gelding will better suited to firmer tracks.

"I have no doubt this horse will be better when he gets on the really good tracks and he'll be a different horse again on a fast track," Campbell said.

"I asked the rider (Anthony Darmanin) if the horse managed the rain affected track last Sunday (soft six) and he said he got through it but wasn't comfortable, so there is quite a bit of difference between liking a soft track and just getting through it."

Julius had his colours lowered by the Glenn Stevenson-trained Music Addition prior to last Sunday's win but Campbell thought that was as encouraging as last Sunday's effort.

"His second to Music Addition was probably as good a run as he's put in this time in, so all in all we have to be happy with his progress."

When Music Addition defeated Julius in Launceston over 1220m late last month Stevenson's horse was going to storm past Julius 100m from home, but Campbell's gelding kept fighting to go down by only a neck.

Last Sunday Julius settled second behind the leader Sparkling One and they were tracked by Thunberg that was slotted third on the rail by apprentice Chelsea Baker.

With all jockeys eyeing off a spot on the outside rail to find the best going in the straight, Darmanin headed in that direction turning form home, but Baker beat him to the gun and had Thunberg close enough on his offside to own the outside rail.

The move looked set to pay off, but Campbell's sprinter showed great heart to repel the challenge.

Campbell said Julius would have a short break but will remain at his Spreyton stables.