The John Dann-trained Illegal Justice completed a Guineas double when he landed the Magic Millions Whitsunday Guineas QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap (1560m) at Mackay, producing the perfect follow-up to his victory in the Magic Millions Capricorn Guineas QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap (1500m) at Rockhampton two weeks earlier.
Illegal Justice started as a $2.25 favourite at Rockhampton and scored by 1.5 lengths. He was even more dominant at Mackay, jumping a $1.35 favourite before powering to a 2.89-length victory to underline his superiority over the state’s leading three-year-olds.
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Regular jockey Dylan Turner had one objective early in the race. From the outside barrier in the field of 11, he urged Illegal Justice forward with intent to cross the field before easing back once the lead had been secured.
Rather than pressing on, Turner allowed the speed to go around him, settling comfortably in fifth position along the rail, just a couple of lengths off the leader.
Illegal Justice travelled effortlessly throughout before Turner edged him into the leading line approaching the home turn. Once balanced in the straight, the talented gelding quickly put the race beyond doubt, surging clear to establish a winning break halfway down the home straight before cruising to the line untouched.
The Lachie Manzelmann-trained Exodas ($3.59), the second favourite, chased gamely to finish second but was left 2.89 lengths adrift of the winner. Gavin Kinlyside’s General Gordon ($31) was another four lengths away in third.
The remainder of the field was well strung out behind the placegetters as Illegal Justice stamped himself as one of Queensland’s standout three-year-olds with a commanding Guineas double.
