Justus

The most striking thing about Justus is what happens when the rain comes. On very wet, muddy ground, he has won 2 of his 3 races — that's a 67% win rate, which is an extraordinary figure by any standard. Most horses tolerate conditions; Justus actively thrives in them. If the forecast turns ugly in the days before a race, that is exactly when he becomes worth paying attention to. It's the difference between a horse that can win and a horse that genuinely wants to.

He has found his level at Class 4 races — comfortably mid-tier in British racing, a step below the prestige events but still competitive — and that's where he has done the bulk of his winning, taking 4 from 11 at that grade. His most recent win came at Ripon in April 2024, and at 25 months ago, a return to the winner's enclosure is clearly overdue. The last six races have produced a sequence of 2-5-8 alongside a couple of blank results, so the form has been patchy, though a second place in his most recent outing suggests he hasn't completely lost his edge.

Trained by Micky Hammond at the famous racing town of Middleham in North Yorkshire, Justus is part of a yard that has been in decent nick this season — 25 winners sent out already. Hammond knows how to place a horse, and the fact that Justus keeps appearing in these fields tells you the team believe there's still a race in him. Regular jockey Richard Kingscote has ridden him seven times without a win together, which is a streak that will eventually have to end. Racing at just one day ago, Justus is very much an active campaigner. Keep an eye on the weather forecast — and on this horse.