THE PROGRESSIVE three-year-old colt MINISTEROFJUSTICE, ridden by Dane Nelson, turned in workmanlike performance to win the overnight allowance feature for the William Read Memorial Trophy over 1300 metres at Caymanas Park yesterday.

Fresh from his track record-equalling run over the straight on November 22, the chestnut son of Royal Minister-Sub Zero justified 3-5 favouritism in scoring by 1¹/⁴ lengths from 3-1 second favourite SHE'S OUTRAGEOUS and 17-1 outsider HAIL THE GENIUS in a field of seven.

Well away from the number four post position, MINISTEROFJUSTICE chased the front-running DR. SOCRATES (16-1) before going through on the inside approaching the 600-metre marker.

Decisive win

Although turning for home clear of SHE'S OUTRAGEOUS, Nelson had to keep him up to his work under a vigorous left-hand stick for a decisive win, the colt's fifth from 17 starts this season.

MINISTEROFJUSTICE, who was third in the 2000 Guineas in April and a close second to IT IS I in the Lotto Classic (Governor's Cup) in May, is owned by Kelvin Jones and trained by Michael McIntosh, who thinks his charge has the scope to make it in grade one company next season.

"He thrives on racing and has really pleased me this season,: said the trainer. "He is not only consistent but pretty versatile but, despite this, I think he is a better horse when sprinting," said McIntosh who posted the 200-1 outsider OUR DEELITE to a shock victory on her debut over the straight last Wednesday.

McIntosh added that his stable star, MAJOR MAYER, who disappointed in his bid to win the November 8 Superstakes for the second straight year, is being prepared for the Harry Jackson Memorial Cup over 2400m on Boxing Day.

On a day which proved a nightmare for form players, MINISTEROFJUSTICE was the only favourite to oblige on the 10-race programme.

Winless champion

Favourite after favourite bit the dust, including THE GUMMER at 3-5 in the fifth race for two-year-olds and the debutante JUST A FLUTTER at evens in the eighth race also for juveniles.

Even champion jockey Omar Walker, who starts a three-day suspension on Wednesday, was winless after looking likely to sweep the card at the start of the day.

In the end, the returning champion complained of cramps and did not honour the last of his eight rides, AMERICAN DON.

Carlton Malcolm rode three winners, including 6-1 chance ARIANA (made all) for owner/trainer Ralph Roberts in the Joseph Armond Memorial Cup over 2000m.

Dane Nelson rode his 100th winner of the season, BACK POCKET at 8-1 in the second race. He subsequently made it 101 aboard MINISTEROFJUSTICE.