Just Terms Cracks It For Deserved Group Race Win

JUST TERMS has broken through for a deserved group race triumph with a thrilling victory in Friday's Newcastle Cup Final (715m) at Ladbrokes Gardens for trainer Jodie Lord.

Tackling the group 3 finale off a hard fought heat win last Friday, the daughter of Barcia Bale went into the race twice placed at group 1 level during a recent Victorian campaign, second to Blue Moon Rising in the Group 1 Topgun Stayers before running third to Tornado Tears in the Group 1 Bold Trease.

Ironically, Just Terms relegated fastest qualifier Blue Moon Rising to second in Friday's Newcastle Cup, the dual group 1 winner brave in defeat.

It was Blue Moon Rising's second runner-up finish in the race following his performance last year behind litter-sister Poco Dorado.

The race was run at a frantic tempo with Peter Lagogiane's Shez Got Soul tearing through the early sections to set up a commanding break. Blue Moon Rising lobbed straight into second chasing the pace with Just Terms just a length away in a stalking position.

At the finish, Just Terms powered down the centre of the track to score by half-a-length over Blue Moon Rising in the $25,000 to-the-winner final, chalking up a 14th career victory, and in doing so ballooning her stakes past the $100,000 mark.

The performance of Shez Got Soul in third to be beaten just a length was full of merit, more than confirming she's got a bright future as a bold front-running stayer.

Just Terms' Newcastle Cup triumph sees her join some illustrious company on the race's honour roll, including the likes of Miagi, Zipping Lad, Lilley Criminal, Dashing Corsair, Royal Riddle and of course last year's winner Poco Dorado.