Despite being away from races for nearly a month while battling apparent sickness, Only For Justice returned ready, willing and able in his return race in Monday’s featured trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Chris Christoforou put the pedal to the metal early with Only For Justice, who shot to the top from Post 7 and had the field chasing him to the quarter pole in :28. Even-money favourite Grandma Heidi swept to the lead in the backstretch, but Christoforou angled right back to the outside with his charge to reclaim the position of command.
Only For Justice proceeded to chop out middle splits of :57 and 1:25.4 before using a :28.2 closing quarter to win by a length over All Wrapped Up. A late-driving Royalty Deal, who was beaten that same margin, kicked home to finish third.
Dany Fontaine trains the homebred for Ecuries Gaetan Bono Inc of Laval, QC. The five-year-old son of Justice Hall-Intense America won for the fifth time this season and for the 14th time in his career. The $13,000 payday bumped his bankroll to $448,564 with the victory.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.