Just Folk gives trainer first stakes win

Bendigo trainer Josh Julius has claimed his most important victory when Just Folk scored an upset win at The Valley.

The win of Just Folk in the Group 2 Schweppes Crystal Mile (1600m) on Saturday was the trainer’s first at stakes level.

Under the urgings of John Allen, Just Folk ($15) scored a half-length win from Begood Toya Mother ($19) with the $1.90 favourite Elephant a half-neck away third.

Julius had Just Folk engaged at The Valley on Friday night but elected to aim high and start the son of Magnus in Saturday’s Group 2 contest.

“It is pretty surreal,” Julius said.

“We scratched from last night thinking it might be our chance. It is obviously not the most regal of Crystal Mile’s ever run, but we thought with the form that he is in it was worth a try.

“To come out and do it is a massive thrill.”

Julius, along with his fiancée Cassie, lease a fair share of Just Folk from his grandparents.

“They bred him at home and to have him here doing this for us is massive,” Julius said.

“And a group winner in my grandparents’ colours, too, it is just huge.

“His (Just Folk) uncle is Tears I Cry who I was lucky to strap him when he ran third in this race.

“This family has been terrific for our family.”

Julius said Daniel Bowman, who prepares the runner-up Begood Toya Mother, was instrumental in Just Folk racing on Saturday.

“He actually said to me to go to the race that you think you can win and I’ve come here and knocked him off,” Julius said.

“It is terrific to share this with those people.”