Justaweesip stars on Southern Surge day at Winton

By Jonny Turner 

Justaweesip will have to wait for her shot at Group race redemption following her outstanding Southern Surge Final victory at Winton on Monday.

The talented filly burst out of the pack to win the highest-rated pacing final in the fastest winning time across seven finals.

Justaweesip has already proven herself at Group level when running an outstanding fifth in this year's Southern Oaks after making a huge recovery from a costly check at the 400m.

She's returned from a let-up in the most powerful form, winning Monday's final after producing a crushing heat victory at Ascot Park for trainer-driver Peter Hunter.

While a return to the group racing arena looks a natural next step for Justaweesip, it won't happen in the immediate future.

"She's not staked for any of the fillies series so she won't be going to any of those," Hunter said.

"We will just let her pave the way and tell us where she wants to go."

"We are really happy with what she is doing at the moment."

"We will keep racing her down here, but we will just enjoy this win and let the dust settle first."

There are few more humble horsemen in southern harness racing than Peter Hunter.

While not in a hurry to take too much credit for his filly's outstanding win, he did admit he got great satisfaction out of Justaweesip's victory.

"I was rapt that she was able to get a good stake, I think she deserved to win a nice race like that."

Justaweesip landed in a hopeless spot five back on the markers after drawing barrier 1 on the second row.

Hunter got the filly off the inner before the home turn and she exploded when he worked her into the clear.

"The favourites made the race, with Step It Up A Notch going along at a good speed."

"When there is good speed on, the gaps do open up and we were lucky enough to take them."

Justaweesip is raced by Hunter, his wife Jo and her brother and sister-in-law, Brendon and Jaque McIntyre.

The filly was one of just two Southern Surge Final winners that didn't combine with a Williamson.

Nathan Williamson drove Redback Bob for Phil Williamson and Delphyne for Brent McIntyre in their wins.

He also trained and drove Indulge Me and trained the Max Hill driven Rakmaknra to win.

Brad Williamson produced To The Moon And Back who scored with Kerryn Tomlinson in the bike.

The only other non-Williamson win came from the Mark Shirley-trained and Brent Barclay-driven Rising Storm.