Only For Justice primed for Preferred Trot at H3R

Fresh off the fastest trotting mile of harness racing season at the Hippodrome 3R (H3R) last week, a 1:58.2 impressive score, Only For Justice (Justice Hall) returns to headline the $8,500 Preferred Trot on Friday, June 21 in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec.

Last week the eight-year-old Only For Justice and driver Francis Picard went the overland route, parked first-over from before the half mile, grinding his way to the lead by three-quarters and then winning in a romp by six and three-quarter lengths.

It was a tough mile for Only For Justice, who last year raced only four times for trainer Linda Belanger before sustaining an injury back in July 2023 and being sidelined until April this year.

When asked how Only For Justice came out of the race last week, Belanger replied.

“Only has recovered well from his race last Friday,” said Belanger. “And I am very happy about it.”

What kind of routine does he go through during the week when he is racing?

“Only goes to the paddock every day in the morning before going jogging,” Belanger explained. “And he loves it. He is the first to go outside and we cannot forget him as he lets us know.

“During the week,” Belanger added.

 “He jogs every day. I don’t drag him around a lot to keep him steady. If his legs remain beautiful, he can continue to improve.”

A $567,044 career winner with 21 lifetime wins, Only For Justice has a record of 1:52.3 taken at age five at Mohawk Park. On Friday he will start from post three, the same post position he won from last week.

“Only may not be the horse he was,” Belanger added. “But he remains a class horse.”

Going against Only For Justice will be That’s Hooligan (Marie-Claude Auger) from post two. He saw his three-race winning streak come to an end last week at the hands of Only For Justice. Other contenders include Frido PV (post 1) and Timonier (post 6).

The lady pacers are also featured at H3R Sunday in the 3^rd race where morning line favorite is Celia Bayama (Bettors Delight) from post five for driver Stephane Brosseau.

Last time out Celia Bayama and Brosseau took no chances and wired the field with ease in 1:57.3, the first win of the season for the six-year-old mare.

Her main rivals will be La Petite Grise (post 2) with driver Pascal Berube, Jimbelina (post 8) for driver Marie-Claude Auger and Whitemountaincammy (post 6) for driver Francis Picard.

First race post time Friday is 4:00 pm. For more information and a free race program, visit here.

by Steve Wolf, for the Quebec Jockey Club