The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Sly Boots had surged to the lead in the ATC Thank You Stable Staff Handicap (1800m), but Perfect Justice launched a strong challenge down the middle of the renowned Randwick track.
Co-trainer Bott admitted he was concerned as Perfect Justice drew nearer to Sly Boots.
“I thought that the other horse (Perfect Justice) was going to go straight past us,” Bott said. “But to Sly Boots’ credit he really dug deep and found a way to win. He’s been up a while but has been racing very consistently without winning so he deserved to win this today.”
Sly Boots ($4.80), expertly guided by Rachel King, managed to fend off a determined Perfect Justice ($4.20) by a half-neck, with the favourite Trapalanda ($3.50) finishing a further three-quarters of a length back in third.
King also felt Perfect Justice was going to be hard to hold out when he came after Sly Boots.
“But Sly Boots saw him coming and he raised another effort,” King said. “I think the drier track helped and he really wanted to win today.”
Bott was uncertain about the immediate future for Sly Boots, whose record now stands at five wins and seven placings from 27 starts, pushing his career earnings beyond $400,000.
“We might look at a similar type of race in the next couple of weeks,” Bott said.
The John Sargent-trained Perfect Justice maintained his solid winter form, marking his third second placing in four starts. His sole victory came in a Midway event over 1600m where he narrowly defeated The Mona Lisa earlier this month.
While excuses are hard to find for Perfect Justice, the gelding did have to navigate a wide path on the turn and sustain a long run. In contrast, the winner saved ground by ducking back to the inside, a tactical advantage that likely proved decisive given the narrow margin between them.
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